Steering Rack Woes

[AntStark]

So...Saturday was MOT day .....I thought I'd got off lightly with a couple of minor advistories both of which I knew about.

"Hydraulic Leak but not excessive steering rack"

I am not sure what the MOT definition of "not excessive" is but on Saturday afternoon my drive was covered in bright pink power steering fluid. Clearly giving it a poke during the MOT hadn't helped matters.
Zed was back in the garage today to have the tyres changed over on to my Style 42s so I asked them to the check the hoses etc first.... Nope.. it is definately pouring out of the end of the rack.

So, I appreciate this probably wont be cheap but does anyone have any recommendations on the best way to fix this? Garage said they can give me a price on new after market replacement (cant afford dealer) but I am thinking it might be best to stay with BMW parts and try and find somewhere that does strip and refurbs. Would have to be either localish to me in Hampshre or somewhere that will send one and I send my faulty one back in return. I could get one from a breakers as well of course but wouldn't be sure of the condition.
Anyway, anyone done this? Any pearls of wisdom or recommendations out there please. Thanks

 

[Althulas]

Ask @spurs fan in a coupe if he has a steering rack for sale and just replace it, if not they come up on eBay.

 

[Dino D]

Steering rack refurbishment services on an exchange basis are quite common now I believe. Think I saw a few on eBay and just internet searching when I looked last.

What about asking the garage who does your mot if they use a place?

 

[Dino D]

About Us | Power Steering Services

Power Steering Services – Specialists in Power Steering Rack, Power Steering Pump & Power Steering Box Repairs – Since 1972. Power Steering Services since 1972, specialize in supplying / reconditioning new & re-manufactured power steering racks, power steering pumps, and power steering boxes for...

www.power-steering.co.uk

Like this for example - not used them just pop up high on a Google search and offer collection in some areas

 

[Dino D]

Western power steering Western Power Steering

power steering specialist electric power steering

shop.westernpowersteering.co.uk

These guys have over a 1000 trust pilot reviews and still 5 star which is impressive.
Say they can come and fit anywhere in the country too.
Say they do classics to concourse condition which is hopefully and indication of quality.

I may be needing this myself soon so will update if I use one of these places myself.

 

[AntStark]

Western power steering Western Power Steering

power steering specialist electric power steering

shop.westernpowersteering.co.uk

These guys have over a 1000 trust pilot reviews and still 5 star which is impressive.
Say they can come and fit anywhere in the country too.
Say they do classics to concourse condition which is hopefully and indication of quality.

I may be needing this myself soon so will update if I use one of these places myself.

Have had Western recommended too..little bit more pricey. Got a couple of questions out with some of the companies on eBay. My garage will only replace with new or if I supply the part. ..they are a mainstream/corporate operation .. but the actual mechanics are good guys.

 

[Lee]

Done a couple of steering rack changes on the z3, used ebay exchange companys both times. Both been faultless, the z3 front subframe design allows you to remove the rack very easily without disturbing much else.

 

[AntStark]

Do you fancy doing another one @Lee

Looks like Western are on ebay with an exchange scheme, going to get one of theirs I think.

Done a couple of steering rack changes on the z3, used ebay exchange companys both times. Both been faultless, the z3 front subframe design allows you to remove the rack very easily without disturbing much else.

 

[jaguartvr]

I've replaced 2, both were due to the pipes on the rack being corroded, bit of a pig to fit but a DIY job. I would suggest the first port of call would be Spurs in a coupe for a good second hand one, that it what I did for my second one and it was a lot easier. When replacing the pipes the bends are very tight and it is hard getting the threads in straight, very easy to strip the threads on the rack.

link to replacement pipes

Power Steering Rack pipes for BMW Z3 (all models)

Power Steering Rack pipes for BMW Z3 (all models) - This is a pair of steering rack pipes to fit the BMW Z3 (all engines)The pipes fit to the steering rack and carry the hydraulic fluid from one side to the otherThey are made from steel pipe (finish may v

www.powersteeringstore.co.uk

 

[AntStark]

Just ordered a refurbed exchange unit from Western Power Steering in the end. Comes with a decent 2 year warranty and its a genuine BMW part. ....will see how we get on.

 

[AntStark]

Fully refurbed genuine BMW rack just turned up from Western Power Steering...really quick delivery, and looks good! Its on an exchange basis so have to send the dead one back. Booked in next Monday to fit. I see Z3 racks are a popular upgrade for the E36 custom community....not sure whether that increases the price or just means there are more places refurbing them. ......or both

 

[Ianmc]

The quickest racks are on the 4 pot cars.

 

[AntStark]

The quickest racks are on the 4 pot cars.

I thought they were all the same apart from the M. Assumed they were all 2.7

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

I thought they were all the same apart from the M. Assumed they were all 2.7

they are

 

[spurs fan in a coupe]

The quickest racks are on the 4 pot cars.

it’s the gear shifter and linkage people want from the 1.9s

 

[AntStark]

it’s the gear shifter and linkage people want from the 1.9s

Why’s that @spurs fan in a coupe ..is it a shorter shift ? …just interested

 

[Lee]

Why’s that @spurs fan in a coupe ..is it a shorter shift ? …just interested

Yeah they're a nice upgrade for the E21 & E30. The steering racks also make a nice hydraulic upgrade for those models.

 

[AntStark]

Ok, so that turned out to be a bigger and more expensive job than expected.
Refurbed rack went in just fine, however whilst working on it they also noticed a leak from the water pump (see the rust staining)... and also a grumbling alternator which it made sense to change whilst the belts were off. Will probably give the underside a bit of clean up this weekend. Hopefully that’s it now, ready for summer!