replace steering rack - labor estimate

[Kirk Anderson]

How many hours would it take a reasonably skilled wrencher to do this job on a 2003 530i? t.i.a.
I've studied the job enough to know that if I try to do it myself, it'll end in tears of rage.

[m735is]

I was forced to do this on my 97 this past summer due to both sides leaking. It wasn't that bad. I unscrewed the tie rods from the rack and it made it out surprisingly easily.

I didn't even ask for a quote from the garage that was doing the inspection because I had another rack available.

[Santaclaus4]

I've replaced numerous steering racks over the years BUT never on a BMW.
That being said...If you raise the car and lower the subframe for clearance it should take a couple hours ish. Maybe less for a very experienced mechanic/shop.
Then add a wheel alignment.

[Kirk Anderson]

[QUOTE=m735is;30146283]I was forced to do this on my 97 this past summer due to both sides leaking. It wasn't that bad. I unscrewed the tie rods from the rack and it made it out surprisingly easily.

You didn't have to drop the subframe to get the old one out?

[m735is]

I honestly can't remember.

Edit: The more I think about it, I'm pretty sure I had to jack up the motor on the passenger side a little bit and squeezed the rack out that side. I probably removed the nut from the drivers side motor mount, but I don't think I even had to lift it far enough to move upwards.

[Kirk Anderson]

Answering my own question. When I finally found a mechanic who wanted the job (i.e. returned my call), he estimated $1100. It came in higher than that, but I got some other new parts in the bargain: two motor mounts, giubo, a control arm, two German tie rods. Sooo happy to be back on the road. And happy to have found a BMW specialist I completely trust.

[rdl]

I know I'm late to the party here, but thought this info would be of interest.

KSD (BMW's flat rate system) allows 21 FRUs (flat rate units) to R&R the steering rack. KSD very clearly specifies that 1 FRU = 5 minutes. However I've seen many reports that US dealers use 10 minutes per FRU ... at least to retail customers. So 1 3/4 hours per BMW or 3 1/2 hours per dealers.

I've no experience on this job, thank goodness. But TIS describes the job as NOT requiring dropping the sub-frame or raising the engine. The procedure call for removing the wheels, disconnecting the tie rods at the wheel/upright ends and removing the rack out the left side. (obviously also disconnect p/s lines, steering column, rack attachment, etc. LOL) Refilling and bleeding the p/s system included. Alignment after the R&R is additional to the 21 FRUs.

[mdistel]

Why do you need to replace it? If it’s leaking I had luck adding a seal conditioner to mine, its effectively stopped for over 2 years and 40k mi. Mine had a leak out of one side that would fill the boot with fluid.

I replaced the rack on on my e36 and even with a lift it was tough to get the coupling back on and everything lined up. On that car there was room to remove without dropping the subframe.

Mark

[WBAD530i]

Subframe doesn't have to be dropped, just have to raise and support the motor with a crossbar, undo motor mounts(harbor freight cross bar saves the day again), and remove the tie rods from rack. This allows you to separate the column from rack and you can maneuver it out without dropping subframe.

Did it on the wagon not long ago, easy compared to other things...