I have recently completed a M52B28 swap in to my E30 which included the E46 purple rack installation. After connecting up all the plumbing etc for the steering rack I have the following problem. When the car is started the steering appears to lock and you cannot move either way. I thought I may have had air in the system but I am now confident I have put that out of the equation. I also think the power steering pump is working correctly. Today, after running the car for several minutes I heard a noise from the steering rack and noticed power steering fluid blowing past the seal of the steering shaft that connects to the steering knuckle. It appears it may have been caused by excessive pressure.
Could I have the hoses connected wrong? What would be causing the steering to lock up when started? Thanks in advance.
Welcome to the forum!
I'm unfamiliar with the rack swap, but pretty familiar with BMW steering systems. When you say that the steering locks up after starting, do you mean it's truly locked up, or just that it has no boost? If you put the front end on jackstands, does it turn then?
If it actually "locks up", I'd have to guess there's something wrong with your ignition/steering lock housing.
If it just has no boost, I'd suspect you might have connected the hoses incorrectly, or the hose with the restrictor is clogged. Try removing the belt, for testing purposes, and see if that lets your steering turn.
Chris Powell
Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
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