New/Used or Reman for steering parts

[ZEKTI]

Hi all - I would like to replace the steering components but not sure of the current quality of the manufacturers we have choices from. Currently looking for an e36 rack, m50 pump. I have new upper shaft and the lower u joint is now solid metal from e34.

From looking around it appears the new racks are built by Atlantic Automotive Enterprise/ AAE. Reviews of their product line don’t seem too bad and I know they recently were purchased by CRP Industries which oversees Ajusa, Pentosin, Rein which I’ve all had good parts with. Reman racks are Bosch/ZF or A1 Cardone. I’d imagine the most secure option would be the rebuilt ZF rack. I will also look for a local shop to rebuild a core.

Looks like for M50 style pumps Luk is no longer making any and only new option is whatever BMW has in stock or a AAE reman. eBay does have a few new ones unbranded.

Anyone have any suggestions? I realize best bang for buck would be to snag used OE ones but if the AAE aren’t too bad I would like new. Thanks for any help!


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[bluptgm3]

Rack Doctor < http://rackdoctor.net > has a pretty good reputation for a ‘rebuild’ and they are one of the least expensive.

It looks like there are pump rebuild kits for the LUK/Vickors pump -

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=32_0889


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[ZEKTI]

Thanks, I forgot about RackDoctor. If I end up replacing I will get a stock replacement. People seem to have overall good luck with those. Debating on buying a used pump or an AAE reman now.

[ZEKTI]

I got the rack from RackDoctor. Fast shipping and unit seems pretty clean. There wasn’t a core charge as he probably has way to many e36 stock racks around but will send an email just to make sure he doesn’t want old one back.

Picked up a reman AAE pump from Pelican. Was pretty cheap and with AAE being owned by CRP Industries I have some faith it’s decent. The pump is painted in some gross glossy black enamel paint. I think they do for all products but unnecessary in this situation.

I’ll post if there are any issues.


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[galuple]

Glad you got it sorted. For anyone who might be wondering in the future, the rebuild kits are just for the seals, so if you have a leaking pump, that'll get you sorted out, but if you're experiencing rattling issues, a new pump is more in order.

[shogun]

The power steering pump kits is consisting of the main shaft seal, some o-rings and 2 profile rings, have already repaired some pumps with such kits, pics of the set https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/32411135880/
does not include any bearing.

[ZEKTI]

Got the new parts installed. The pump is LUK and not ZF but YMMV. Same bracket/mounting points. A point to note is that the document said to use CH11s for fluid. However when taking plugs out reman pump it was clearly an ATF pump. Time will tell on its longevity. I’ll update with any issues


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[bluptgm3]

LUK is a factory OE brand pump.


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[ZEKTI]

LUK is a factory OE brand pump.


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True, I was more stating that in this case the AAE replacement was a LUK pump instead of the ZF. I am not sure if that will always be the case or if they will reman what they get back. I see the early e36s came with either a ZF or LUK pump. The later ones appear to all be ZF without the threaded housing but the pump itself seemed to be the same as earlier ZF, same mounting holes and pumping pressure by both.

Also I replaced the E34 solid coupler with a new stock rubber one. Feels much better for street driving, I'll take the preciseness hit.