Saving an E46 M3

[ecKARd]

So I removed the power steering pump yesterday to inspect it. Couldn't see anything obvious from the outside so I opened it up to have a look inside. The only thing I saw that could cause a concern was the bearing at the back of the shaft. Hopefully this was also the ticking noise I hear.

After putting everything back the power steering did feel better, but only the the left. Then I realised when pressing the throttle the wheel would turn left by itself (car was still jacked up).
Did some reading and seems like the steering rack is definitely the problem, some valve directing the fluid left or right when turning in different directions.

I did found a complete rack with a pump in CT so hopefully it's here by Friday so I can swap it out.

Sorry no photos as it was an oily affair!

 

[Zound]

Good job! Keep the updates coming!

 

[Iry-gp]

Great Project.. Will be following.

 

[KamalM3]

Congratulations and Good luck man.

 

[ecKARd]

Thanks guys!

The "new" steering rack and power steering pump is getting delivered today. I'll probably only get to cleaning it today and preparing for the swap tomorrow.
Any tips from someone who've done this before?

 

[Peter@AEW]

Remove all underbody covers
Remove anti roll bar
Remove the power steering pipes from the rack (19&22 ring spanners)
Remove the pipe from the pump (22 spanner)

Loosen the bolt to the steering column (8 or10 E torx)
Remove tie rod end nuts (18 spanner)
Loosen the 2 supporting bolts to the steering rack (15 & 16 spanners)
Remove rack by sliding forward.

To get the wheel to center correctly it is best that you turn the the wheel to either extreme left or right prior to removing the rack.

 

[Andy1GP]

Well Done Eckard! You do seem to have a lot more free time than I thought you would. Making quick work of those nasty jobs. It'll get easier from there on out.

Once I have some off days I'll come do the valve clearances for you.

 

[Tjoppies]

brave man - hope this car doesnt bleed you dry...

had similar plans with my astra coupe, and in the end it just ruined me financially and sold it at a moerse loss

 

[Mc Member.]

brave man - hope this car doesnt bleed you dry...

had similar plans with my astra coupe, and in the end it just ruined me financially and sold it at a moerse loss

That may be, but the driving pleasure you get out of the bimmer is far better.

 

[ramjee13]

Awesome!!! Thanks for saving her.

:clapper:

Enjoy, will be an amazing project!

 

[ZaynM]

Looks like you have your work cut out for you. Good Luck and enjoy.

Thanks for sharing.

 

[flintstone]

Good luck, keen to see the outcome.

 

[R!Yo]

Awesome project man! You're braver than most of us and I wish you all the best on this resto. Hope to see her at the meets soon!!:clapper:

 

[ecKARd]

Thanks guys!

I got to clean the bought steering rack and it seems to be in good nick, so I'm hoping it will fix all the steering issues.
I'm 98% done with removing the old rack, everything is disconnected so it just has to come out but it seems like there is not enough space. I ran out of light so will have to finish it next week.

Then I'm also going to start a 'Wanted' thread soon for all the parts I need as there are quite a few bits and I might as well start getting a feel for what everything goes for.

 

[ecKARd]

Finally had time this weekend to finish the steering rack swap. The power steering now works but the pump isn't happy when you turn the wheel. I can see the high pressure hose flexing when trying to turn so there might be a blocked hose somewhere. I'm also having some SMG issues unfortunately so I might change my plan of attack for this car. Decided to tackle the "easy" fixes next just to make some progress at least.

 

[zippy320]

did you check the power steering fluid reservoir bottle for any dirt or blockage? Maybe disconnect each hose and check for a blockage . Shouldn't be to difficult.

Finally had time this weekend to finish the steering rack swap. The power steering now works but the pump isn't happy when you turn the wheel. I can see the high pressure hose flexing when trying to turn so there might be a blocked hose somewhere. I'm also having some SMG issues unfortunately so I might change my plan of attack for this car. Decided to tackle the "easy" fixes next just to make some progress at least.

 

[Peter@AEW]

Finally had time this weekend to finish the steering rack swap. The power steering now works but the pump isn't happy when you turn the wheel. I can see the high pressure hose flexing when trying to turn so there might be a blocked hose somewhere. I'm also having some SMG issues unfortunately so I might change my plan of attack for this car. Decided to tackle the "easy" fixes next just to make some progress at least.

On start up there will be a lot of air in the system.
Start the engine and let it idle there will be a groaning sound from the pump as it bleeds the air.
Rotate full left and hold and then full right and hold.
Top up the reservoir and let idle.

It is normal for the high pressure side to flex a little.

What SMG issues are you having?
The SMG needs to be bled and if you cannot bleed it it implies a pump issue.
It is not always necessary to replace the SMG pump as it can be repaired but not always successfully.

 

[ecKARd]

On start up there will be a lot of air in the system.
Start the engine and let it idle there will be a groaning sound from the pump as it bleeds the air.
Rotate full left and hold and then full right and hold.
Top up the reservoir and let idle.

It is normal for the high pressure side to flex a little.

What SMG issues are you having?
The SMG needs to be bled and if you cannot bleed it it implies a pump issue.
It is not always necessary to replace the SMG pump as it can be repaired but not always successfully.

Thanks Peter! I will give that a try. I did drive around the block and when I got back there was some bubbles in the reservoir so it is definitely possible that there is even more air in the system.

When I got back from the test drive I turned the car off to top everything up and check for leaks. Then when I started the car again it did not want to move. Had the car in 1 , 2 and reverse but nothing when trying to pull off. The car does engage into gear (as it did not want to roll when in 1 with the engine off) and you can hear the "clunk" when returning to Neutral, but it's like the clutch does not want to engage. I've read a lot about the 'salmon relay', what does this relay do exactly? And is that a possible reason?

Regarding bleeding the SMG, when/how often does this need to be done? And is it possible to DIY?

---

Regarding the SMG issue I should mention that I did not notice any cog warning lights on the dash, but I'll double check that this afternoon.

If anyone has any leads on a M3 being stripped in Pretoria or surrounding areas please send me a PM. I need quite a bunch of cosmetic parts.

 

[Peter@AEW]

Too many variables for me to say without a diagnostics reading...sorry

 

[ecKARd]

Success!

Power steering works without any whining, car drives again, still have a rattle sound that needs investigation. More detail to follow tomorrow.