Power steering rack refurbishing sources.

[djm1450]

Hey,
just pulled the power steering rack from my e30 m3, because if was leaking. Are there any good and reasonable sources that i can send the rack to and have refurbished? I am located in florida.
Thanks,

dan

[djm1450]

I removed the power steering rack off my e30 m3 to have it refurbished, because it was leaking. I followed the instructions in the bentley service manual to remove the rack. The steering wheel was locked at center prior to the rack being removed. The flexible steering knuckle was attached to the rack when it was removed. I am thinking about how to reinstall the rack after it is refurbished. The bentley manual says that the install is the reverse of the removal. I don't think it's that simple. I think some added steps are required. Here are some questions i have concerning the installation:

1) i know where the center line is on the knuckle's lower spline and rack. How do i determine where to connect the knuckle on the upper shaft? There does not appear to be a wider spline on the knuckle and shaft.
2) should a lubricant be applied to the upper and lower knuckle and shafts? If so, what type?
3) any potential problem with installing the knuckle to the upper shaft first and then the rack to the lower knuckle?
4) does the the steering wheel have to be pulled and aline back to center if knuckle is off center?

Any comments will be appreciated.
Thanks

dan

[MauiM3Mania]

Bump!

[MarcoZandrini]

Try www.rackdoctor.net for rebuilt racks.

[bmwdirtracer]

All more modern BMW racks have an alignment tab where the bolt goes through the collar. If you don't see such a locating tab, the bolt will usually go all the way through the collar in only one location, because of an indent in the shaft. All that said, if there's no locating tab, I always use a paint marker, and/or a punch, to mark the components before disconnecting.

If you haven't done this, you'll probably still be okay, because in my experience, remanufactured racks generally arrive in the straight ahead position.

I'm not sure what you're thinking of lubricating? I do not recall any lubrication point on any BMW steering shaft.

Don't disconnect anything more than you have to. Wherever you've already disconnected should be plenty.

It's best to avoid re-aligning the steering wheel. I forget; does the E30M3 have an airbag? (This makes it more unwise) Align the rack with the shaft as best as you can, then do the fine tuning with the tie rods, if you have toe plates and tape measures. or take it to an alignment shop.