Can i swap to E36 Rack without moking up my knuckle?

[ron1999]

as stated in the title -
just got a rack from a 97 euro E36, and im looking forward to have it installed,
but before - i went through Robert K write-up and all the comments, but could not figure out completely -
is there a way to install the rack with out making too much changing in the steering knuckle?
i don't mind grooving it a little or make more room for its movement, but I'd rather avoid rebuilding it up from two parts (the E36 and the E30 like Zion ville do)


Any ideas?


Ron.

[RobertK]

You have to shorten the steering knuckle, no way around it. Even with the modification shown in the write up you have to create additional clearance in the u-joint so it doesn't bind.

I sell rebuilt steering knuckles with aluminum discs to replace the old rubber one. If you are interested I can make one up for you.

[whiltebeitel]

How much?

[redhatpat]

I just bookmarked a page last night that showed the later cars dont need to modify the knuckle to fit. I'm at work now and cant find the post where I saw the link. I'll post the link tonight when I'm home.

[redhatpat]

Found it: www.rmeuropean.com/bmw-steering-rack.html

I have no experience with this swap or this page, so I cant verify it's accuracy.

[PiercedE30]

With the later cars the only thing you have to modify is where the column goes through the firewall. I think I might have only had to take out about a 1/4" on the lower passenger side.

[golde30]

With the later cars the only thing you have to modify is where the column goes through the firewall. I think I might have only had to take out about a 1/4" on the lower passenger side.

thats how it looks on that website. this is nice to know, as i could use a replacement rack on my 318is...

[JGood]

I've heard the Euro e36 M3's have a variable ratio rack, which means the casing would be different then that of a U.S. spec e36. You may want to check fitment before chopping stuff up.

[JGood]

Looks like that is valid for 3.0 euro e36 M3's:


"In addition, all 3.0-liter M3s have a special M-tuned steering rack with a variable ratio (from 15.4:1 to 19.8:1) and engine-speed-sensitive power steering."

Source: http://www.bmwmregistry.com/model_faq.php?id=14

[mentaleeill]

i put a 95 m3 rack in my 88 super eta without shortening the knuckle. i just slid the u-joint as far up on the column as i could and removed some of the sound deadening material around it. i had to slightly clearance the knuckle with a dremel like in robertk's writeup but that was all. did it this way on 2 different occasions and never had an issue.