Manual/Power Steering Rack

[Martin323i]

OK guys/gals.

My Power Steering Rack is fast nearing its end. Repair cost will be ZAR2600 + sales tax. Ouch!

I've phoned around. I can get loads of manual racks for good prices at scrapyards but can't find a single power rack.

Now I have a dillemma. Do I change to a manual rack? Is this even possible? Pros vs. Cons?

I don't really want to lose the P/Steering, so I saw an article on The Zone about the e36 rack conversion. This looks fairly expensive and time consuming. Would anyone with experience on this like to give some ideas?

Any other ideas?

[stulane]

Hi,

PAS rack is about Ԛ£50 from a scrappy. although MAKE SURE YOU GET THE RIGHT ONE...there are more than one version around and the pipes wont fit on every type. i found this out the hard way. if you can, get the pipes at the same time.

E36 rack - if you can get one cheap, go for it. i've done the swap and its well worth it. you need to get a spacer made up to fit the e30 linkage and "apparently" custom pipes but i used a combination of e34, e36 and e30 pipes.

PM me if you need any more help.

[oguz327]

Is it actually possible to swap from power steering to standard though?
Allways wondered, i actually used to prefer not to have power steering although now ive had it so long not sure sure i would now.

[stulane]

of course its possible. the PAS is hydrualic and a seperate system to the rest of the car so wouldnt be a problem, except parking of course

[oguz327]

Parking is deffo the down side, especialy with meaty alloys. I think you do get better feedback from the road with standard steering but in the real world power is best

[stulane]

my PAS pump broke and it was impossible to move the steering wheel with 17"s

[TheDutch]

Having a broken PAS system is not the same as having a manual rack.

[stulane]

Prob right, still would't facny manual rack with big wheels.

[Martin323i]

Thanks stulane

I'll call around to see if I can get an e36 rack somewhere. Will let you know and all help would be appreciated.

[Turbo-Brown]

I've got 17"s and a manual rack, and as long as you're moving, even at a snail's pace, you can spin the wheel one handed

[JOSEMI]

sorry, off topic: good to see someone from Eastbourne fella, I was beginning to think I was the only sensible person in this City of Micras !!



See you around

Jose

[stulane]

Cool man, one more person under the age of 75 on the road is always good

[JOSEMI]

PM sent sorry posted twice by error

[JOSEMI]

PM sent

[Bob_S]

you are putting alot of stress on the rack if you arent moving and turning you try turning a car wheel with the trackrod end off!