E30 - 325i Steering Rack

[Sanjay]

Hi Guys

Looking for some advise. My mechanic says that their is too much play on my steering and the rack needs to be replaced. Ive already replaced the tie rod ends and bushes. Any advise who i should contact for this as BMW quoted me R15000 for the rack.

Thanks

Sanjay

 

[Major]

For that price you might as well look into getting a second hand Z3 rack. For a small amount of work you can have 2.8 instead of 4 full turns lock-to-lock. Did they check the rubber coupling on the steering column? If that shreds there would be some play on it.

If you don't want to have to customise it, the 323i rack in my car will be up for sale at some point if you want to wait it out. :thumbsup:

 

[Sanjay]

Thanks Major

Im sure they checked this. I will double check.

If the streering coupling is damaged, would their be a slight metal sort of rubbing noise when you turn the steering wheel. This noise started the investigation on the steering coulmn, rack.

When will you be removing your rack and whats the cost?

 

[osiris]

When Majors E30 was still in my possession I had allot of play on the steering wheel, up to the point where it was downright dangerous, I inspected and found that the rubber coupling was completely worn and broken, it was a very easy fix, I actually found a nice newish looking rubber coupling from the scrap yard and fitted it, the steering was perfect after that.

I would imagine that if the rubber cuppling is damaged enough that you could possibly hear a bit of a metal sound as the rubber coupling wouldnt be dubbing the sound? just a thought I guess.