Non power steering to power steering conversion.

[Stevieabz]

Have a full power steering set up sat in my garage ready to be put on. I'm looking for anyone who has previously done a full power steering conversion on an Mtech 1 325i Sport 1987 or similar model to give me as much info as possible on what I need to do the job and how to actually do it. I'm not a mechanic but I can do most things, if I have the know how. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

[Grrrmachine]

1) Remove rack and tie rods
2) Bolt mount and pump to engine.
3) Fit belt
4) Fit new steering rack and tie rods
5) Mount new PAS reservoir to inner wing
6) Connect up the hoses
7) Get the tracking checked.

It's not a hard job as long as you've got all the bits.

[Stevieabz]

Your amazing, thank you very much. That's just what I was looking for. I'm going to get new tie rod ends as there's a lot of play in them. Then, I think I'm good to go now. Thank you!

[Grrrmachine]

You might want to get hold of a tap-and-die set to clear out the holes in the engine block for the pump mount. The holes will be there, but they'll be filled with rust and crud from the last 20 years, so cleaning them up before putting the bolts in would be a good idea.

[Stevieabz]

Will add that to the list thanks. Just to clarify, there aren't any detailed, pictured guide's on-line for this specific job that you know of are there? Also I guess my Haynes manual will be a great help to.

[Grrrmachine]

No there aren't any guides for this, but most of the photos and info is similar to the E46 rack swap (inasmuchas you're taking one rack off and putting another on):

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... onversions

[capri_rob]

Been a long time since Chris warburton did this job on my old car but pretty sure the non pas cars don't have the correct crank pulley at the front of the engine for the drive belt ? It's a v pulley that sits in front of the heavy flywheel thing that's held on with 6 bolts iirc. I am 99% certain Chris had to swap this from the donor car that gave the rack and pump when he did mine

[Stevieabz]

I see, could you please find me a part number for this so I can get one if it is necessary. I don't fully understand what your on about but it should be easy to locate and swap out once I know. thanks

[Stevieabz]

I have that part! just went down into the garage to double check and I found what I'm 99% sure is that. Might add a picture to double check. It looks like it has three small weights on it, sounds familiar?

[Stevieabz]

Also one more thing, The tie rod ends are apparently fooked.. Should I go to BMW or eBay for new ones and are they easy to replace? Thanks.

[Grrrmachine]

Find a decent motorfactor and get Lemforder ones. Don't get anything from eBay.

[Stevieabz]

I'm about to sound stupid: What's a motorfactor? I have found Lemforder's website and a few tie rod ends but no where to get e30 ones.

[Grrrmachine]

a motor factor is a supplier of car parts, such as Euro Car Parts or GermanSwedishFrench.