Splitting the lower steering linkage and bolting back together

[estoguy]

Hi guys,

I think I might have found a solution to my lower problem of getting it out without bunch of messing around with the rack or steering column.

I found this page: http://www.rmeuropean.com/bmw-e30-steering.aspx

It was on a E36 rack swap, and they'd split the linkage by taking out the rivets at the point below the guibo, and then used bolts to put it back together, as shown below:



They'd used 7/16 bolts and the 72-11-1-977-925 bolts from an E36 to put it back together. They seem to have a bit of a sleeve to take the place of that bushing that's in with the original rivets.

The nuts are shown in the next picture above the bolts:



Anyone see any issues doing this?

[Steve Corbett]

I am trying to install a Z3 Rack. I have my coupling apart and have the bolt and spacer kit in hand. I was able to split my coupling in place after removing the rack. I was unable to remove the upper section from the Steering shaft. No biggie so far... The issue I have is I can't seem to get the bolts in either direction to reassemble the coupling. It either hits the neck of the second piece or not enough clearance and hits the guibo if I install the other direction. Reminds me of one of those bent nail puzzles. What am I overlooking?