Early Model Steering Rack Rebuild Problems

[nebulous123]

Hey Everyone,

First time poster, long time reader. Finally had something that needed answering that I wasn't to find through searching.

So I am in process of rebuilding my 1984 325e steering rack, and have ran into sort of a problem (at least I think it is). I have gotten everything apart and started swapping seals but when I got to the rack shaft I have been unable to get it out.

The worst part is the seals on the rack shaft i believe are the ones that are leaking. In any case I was wondering if anyone has any tips or knows if perhaps the steering rack I have is not serviceable (like the u-joint in the drive shaft). All of the walk-throughs I have pictures a different steering rack than mine and I just wanted to make sure I don't keep working on a lost cause.

Thanks for any responses.

-nebulous123

[Jean]

Ugh, doesn't look like fun and even after you are done it's still a crappy e30 rack ?

[nebulous123]

Now that I have done it I would actually do it again. This rack being different is the only part that has kinda sucked because a lot of the instructions were backwards or tell me to undo something that didn't exist. And this car is pretty much all original and I wanted to keep it that way, besides it was only $50 for the seals.

[nebulous123]

Okay I figured out the issue. Its a 2-piece rack (see pics) which is why the rod won't come out. Now if anyone could point me to the correct tool (other than a flat-head and a hammer). Any thoughts would help.

Thanks,

neb