Rusty e36 coupe
07-05-2014, 04:04 PM
Ok hope you guys can help out here, not really a major problem but here go's
I'm in the process of swapping out my stock e36 steering rack for a 2003 clubsport 2.7 turns lock to lock rack, I compared both racks prior to fitting which was fairly easy and all is fine with pinion angle and fitment, I'm using my original lower column universal joint as the one it came with was too short, everything is centred and connected except tie rods and pump
But I'm now finding slight resistance when turning the steering wheel gently left and right, the rack will turn all the way which is less than 3 turns once the restrictors are fitted and the car is on stands so no weight on anything
If I disconnect the column joint the steering wheels turns smooth
I'm thinking there should not be any resistance coming from the rack and will try the stock item and see if it feels any different,
Is it likely the rack could be damaged or in need of maintenance, it appears to be in very good condition aesthetically but appearances can be deceptive
Thanks in advance
Rich.
Ok came about the decision of stripping down and checking the pinion gear and rack gear and all is ok as far as the eye can tell, no wear or damage, found the grease to be rather dry so cleaned it out and re lubed and re assembled and re fitted, by comparison it is really much smoother now and has no stiffness as before so reckon its safe to say problem solved....
I'm in the process of swapping out my stock e36 steering rack for a 2003 clubsport 2.7 turns lock to lock rack, I compared both racks prior to fitting which was fairly easy and all is fine with pinion angle and fitment, I'm using my original lower column universal joint as the one it came with was too short, everything is centred and connected except tie rods and pump
But I'm now finding slight resistance when turning the steering wheel gently left and right, the rack will turn all the way which is less than 3 turns once the restrictors are fitted and the car is on stands so no weight on anything
If I disconnect the column joint the steering wheels turns smooth
I'm thinking there should not be any resistance coming from the rack and will try the stock item and see if it feels any different,
Is it likely the rack could be damaged or in need of maintenance, it appears to be in very good condition aesthetically but appearances can be deceptive
Thanks in advance
Rich.
Ok came about the decision of stripping down and checking the pinion gear and rack gear and all is ok as far as the eye can tell, no wear or damage, found the grease to be rather dry so cleaned it out and re lubed and re assembled and re fitted, by comparison it is really much smoother now and has no stiffness as before so reckon its safe to say problem solved....