e36 325i Rack

[Jean]

Picked up steering rack from a 92 325i car today, if I turn the rack it does move but how would I go about checking it to make sure it's in good condition before getting it installed on the car etc ? I believe this rack has 3.2 ratio according to a thread on e30tech.com.

Is there a way an alignment shop (just taking a guess here) can check the condition of the rack or check it for leaks etc ?

[1991 318is]

Loosen the boots and look for fluid that has leaked out past the seals. There's a 17mm nut that sets the clearance between the pinion and the rack. Leave a little play in it.

[Jean]

There is some fluid at the top where the u-joint connects, I am not sure if it leaked from the power steering bump or not as someone remove the engine and tranny from the car before me.

[Maluco]

I don't know if anyone wants to correct me here but, if your pump is working and your steering feels good/ok, don't worry about the rack yet. If the rack boots are torn, that shows age for sure. If the boots are torn and leaking and your steering feels messed up than you might want to get it rebuilt/replaced. Even if your boots are torn, fluid (not much) is leaking yet your pump is still functioning and the steering feels good, just keep an eye out on your level. That's if you want to go the cheap route and get the death out of the rack...

Thoughts?

[Jean]

The pump / rack on the car is fine (stock 4.0 rack) and not leaking or anything. I want to replace it with the e36 3.2 rack but still trying to find a shop who can check it out first . It came out of a parts car, boots look ok and I do have new tie rods for it.