e36 steering rack on e30..

[elclassico]

Good discussion. I'm also still considering this E36 option, but haven't taken the plunge yet since I've heard from some mechs that I may lose "drivability" of the e30..Don't really know what that really means since current rack on my m20b25 sucks. And this is AFTER refurbishing the rack's parts. I guess The wear and tear of the metal parts just means they need replacing..which isvery difficult to find for the E30.

To find one is difficult indeed..more difficult to find a good one..and most of sellers cant give warranty summore..

 

[JDY]

Hi guys,

Need to clarify. The steering rack on my e30 m42convert has reached the end of its time and needs to be changed. considered going for the e36 option. However, was advised by my mech that it's not possible to convert to e36 rack because the m42 dimensions are slightly bigger, not enough clearance (or something to that effect). Can ny e30m42 owners clarify ?

Also. will have to start looking for a used/recond e30 rack, if thats the case. Anyone got any stock lying aorund in their storeroom?

 

[berserkdroid]

Hi guys,

Need to clarify. The steering rack on my e30 m42convert has reached the end of its time and needs to be changed. considered going for the e36 option. However, was advised by my mech that it's not possible to convert to e36 rack because the m42 dimensions are slightly bigger, not enough clearance (or something to that effect). Can ny e30m42 owners clarify ?

Also. will have to start looking for a used/recond e30 rack, if thats the case. Anyone got any stock lying aorund in their storeroom?

It can fit bro. Pretty well, actually.

 

[JDY]

thanks bro. If you dont mind going into more details. What sort of modification would be required for this ?

 

[berserkdroid]

Copy & Pasting this from the other thread...

Here's my experience - Had to change my E30 rack as the shaft inside it was wobbling making the car vibrate. And this despite it not having any leaks (reason: Flush the ATF regularly to eliminate H2O in the system, water leads to rust which leads to popped seals).

So went and got a E36 rack from the potong kereta yard. Disconnect the rack from the wheels and coupling, open the PS hoses attached to it, Pop the engine mounting loose, jack the engine up a bit, bend the Rack mounting points down, drop the thing out and then...

1. You got to have a spacer to cover the gap between the E36 Rack and the mounting points
2. You also need to have a E30-E36 conversion steering coupling made (upper E30, lower E36)
3. You need to have the High Pressure hose be able to line from the rack towards your Pump properly.

Then pop in the E36 Rack. For the hoses, i used back the Low Pressure E30 one just had to flip it around a bit to fit. Also change the reservoir, its got a filter in there that may already be clogged and putting more strain on the system.

End result - Steering is a lot zippier and lighter. (In my case, lighter in the sense that before the rack conversion i had changed the front bushes to the M3 ones with the offset, making the steering noticeably heavier. Now it's like the Ori E30 feel again). And of course, the turning radius is a blast - can make tight U-turns while everyone else sangkut at the road divider...

 

[mizhan]

i'm going down this route too when it's time to replace them on both my E30's.. i'm willing to compromise 'originality' if it is going enhance driving pleasure.