E46 rack conversion - think i've ordered the wrong bits

[Jones]

Morning gents,

I have been ordering a few bits for my E46 rack conversion after finding out its a more direct fit than a z3 rack, the linkage doesn't need altering apparently?, and a hell of alot cheaper. So I have bought:

e46 330d rack ending 067 - this is a 2004
e46 inner tie rods
E30 track rod ends

These are the parts I read about needing, but upon getting the parts on the workshop bench, its clear there a problem with the tie rods, both ends are threadded thus they won't screw together.

Can anyone tell me Where I'm going wrong, and is there a link somewhere to a guide that talks you right through the process of fitting one

thanks Jonesy.

[redcar]

hsfdsf

[Jones]

Ok thanks. As you said "all E30" could I get away with undoing my track rods on the E30 rack itself fitting the E46 rack and then doing the existing tie rods back up to the E46 rack? and not have to get it tracked? Being cocky I know lol

[kman82]

Linkage needs the rubber bit removing and bolting back together

Also needed new engine mounts on mine

Edit: I re-used everything off mine and ddn't get it tracked. It 'seems' ok. no uneven tyre wear etc. Will get it tested one day

[Jones]

Linkage needs the rubber bit removing and bolting back together

Also needed new engine mounts on mine

Edit: I re-used everything off mine and ddn't get it tracked. It 'seems' ok. no uneven tyre wear etc. Will get it tested one day

So you dont put the steering bush back in? what the steering like? do you get any vibration through it without the bush? or is it alright?

Why did you need new engine mounts?

[redcar]

Linkage needs the rubber bit removing and bolting back together

Also needed new engine mounts on mine

Edit: I re-used everything off mine and ddn't get it tracked. It 'seems' ok. no uneven tyre wear etc. Will get it tested one day

So you dont put the steering bush back in? what the steering like? do you get any vibration through it without the bush? or is it alright?

Why did you need new engine mounts?

I think the whole shaft on the e46 and e36 racks are a little wider than the e30 rack the last time i measured...so if if you were to connect your e30 tie rod assemblys in situ and unadjusted, it's likely they would be a fair bit toed out. However, you should get it tracked when carrying out suspension changes and especially steering changes otherwise the steering will feel awful.

Kman may have had to use new engine mounts as dependant upon what engine you have, your manifold will be very close to your steering linkage. Worn engine mounts have the tendancy to lead to the engine moving around a lot. When turning left, the whole engine will lean/move to the right, and there is a high chance that the manifolds could touch the steering linkage and cause it to jam. Obviously this is rediculously dangerous so you have to make sure everything is properly safe before driving.

Also, i think the ideal would be using the e46 inners at least, because it is designed for the rack. The e46 rack on mine didn't have a locking tab on it like the e30 and e36 racks do. So i'm not sure if using the whole e30 tie rod assembly on the e46 rack is safe. The e46 inner tie rod may be designed to not open but i don't really know.

[DanThe]

If you tighten them up properly they dont fall off

BTW rack converters I have PAS pipe kits back in

[Dezzy]

Just to confirm Dans conversion pipes are perfect.




Plug and play. I've a Z3 rack fitted to my chromie and these pipes made the job easy and look factory. IMO a must for 24v rack swappers.

[BMW_E30vert]

i read somewhere on here that the e36 track rod ends work the best with the e46 inner tie rod ends

[kman82]

yeah dan's pipes fit like a glove.

I have no problems whatsoever with vibration through the steering wheel without the rubber thing.

Redcar you're right, after i had mine fitted it apeared to clear the manifold ok (M20) but then when the engine was hot, turning left the engine moved over and the steering linkage grinded against the manifold Bit scarey when you feel it almost jam! New engine mounts stiffened everything up and it no longer catches!

[DanThe]

Uprated M20 engine mounts here - http://www.burtonpower.com/fp292.html

[ross2009]

i just took the e46 tie rods out put the e30 ones on didnt have to mess around with any tracking issues as it was already set
mnd you worth getting the tracking done again tho just incase