changing a power steering rack?

[manu]

hi peeps

how difficult is it to change the power steering rack on my 320i touring?

is there a guide any where?

manu

[A1BMW325iSport]

first off fit the pump and adjust the belt.

then fit the reservoir and connect the large pipe from the reservoir to the side of the pump

make sure steering is set straight ahead,
jack up car at front support with axle stands and remove wheels,
remove track rod end ball joints with ball joint splitter,
there are two bolts that hold on the rack, 15mm iirc
remove those, next 13mm bolt on the steering column u/joint,
pull rack forward out of the mounting plates then use hammer to
tap it free from the splines of the u/joint.

you will prob have to change the steering u/joint to the shorter one for the PAS rack, mark with white paint or tippex the position of the top joint to the steering column splines, then remove bolt and tap down to release from splines, then position the new joint in the same position and refit bolt.

next the new rack, bend down the lower mounting plates for the rack this will give you clearance you need as the sump is pretty close, make sure the rack is centralised, next get someone to help offer the rack up to the car and route the pipe for the pump up round the subframe and down towards the pump as you lift up the rack, then insert into the splines of the u/joint and fit the bolt through, a jack is handy to use to take the weight of the rack and to hold it in position.

next use a hammer to tap the lower plates back up to the rack this will hold it now, then insert the bolts on the INNER holes (the manual rack uses the outer holes) next fit the ball joints back on.

now connect the pas pipe from the rack to the pump (top union)
and the small return pipe from the reservoir to metal pipe on the rack.

fill the reservoir slightly over the fill line.

refit wheels the lower the car to ground.

and start the engine, turn steering from lock to lock a couple of times.

and thats it job done!

[manu]

Thanks mate, i'll give it a go this weekend

manu

[Brianmoooore]

And then get the front tracking set.