Quick racks,Z3 conversion-now with pics! for 4 and 6 cyls

[DRIFTBOY]

Yes, I had an E36 rack in before the Z3 one and it was a completely straight swap.

[chips]

I fitted my Z3 rack at the weekend, and I managed to fit it in the original power rack mounting holes (the rear holes) AND I used the original E30 steering UJ without any modifications. With the steering UJ completely removed, I fitted the rack in place with the spacers on the top, then I put the UJ on the rack as far down the splined shaft as possible. Then with the clamping bolt removed, I slid the UJ onto the steering column splined shaft.

The steering column splined shaft has a groove around it for the clamping bolt to fit into. With the Z3 rack installed, the UJ is further up the steering column and the bolt will be in the wrong place to fit in the groove. What I did was to take a circular file to the steering column splined shaft to make enough of a groove for the clamping bolt to fit through. Once thats done it can be all tightened up and off you go.

Not the best description but I can take some pictures if anybody's interested

[winx]

Ah I'm pleased someone else has made a new groove in it! Thats what I plan on doing.

[chips]

I've got the engine out at the moment, so this would probably be pretty difficult with the engine in

[pilt]

I fitted an E36 rack to my car a while back, as DriftBoy said it is possible to use the standard pipes by bending them

Just get one of these from machine mart for £12. They are quite hard to bend and this tool only just about manages but it is cheap and cheerfull

[RoadHazard]

Hi. A newbie here.

I have a manual rack on my E30 318i now. I'll be adding a power steering pump and reservoir and a E36 rack. Now I wonder if the UJ on a manual steering E30 is the same as in a power steering one. Can I reuse the UJ without any modification? Thanks.

[mt1104]

Hello,

Can anyone tell me the diameter of the hydraulic pipes that require bending?

[Lloydie38]

I fitted my Z3 rack at the weekend, and I managed to fit it in the original power rack mounting holes (the rear holes) AND I used the original E30 steering UJ without any modifications.

Not the best description but I can take some pictures if anybody's interested

Yes please

[chips]

I fitted my Z3 rack at the weekend, and I managed to fit it in the original power rack mounting holes (the rear holes) AND I used the original E30 steering UJ without any modifications.

Not the best description but I can take some pictures if anybody's interested

Yes please

Will do Might take a few days though

[DRIFTBOY]

Hi. A newbie here.

I have a manual rack on my E30 318i now. I'll be adding a power steering pump and reservoir and a E36 rack. Now I wonder if the UJ on a manual steering E30 is the same as in a power steering one. Can I reuse the UJ without any modification? Thanks.

Hi and welcome!

When I did mine I had to use half the E36 u.j. (from the E36 rack) and the top half of the E30 u.j. with a thick peice of steel instead of the rubber guibo to join the two parts.

[LeonNewton]

wont to have a go at this. have you hade to get enything elce other than the rack from a brakers?

[appletree]

Just looking at doing this, got theZ3 rack with my E30 rods and ends in all with new clamps and rubber gaters ready to go and the old rack out just two questions.

Is it best to use the orgional holes if you can or the mannual holes

It looks to me that the spacers should go underneath? as the mounting brackets on the top look to be a the same height as the E30 rack but then not as deep, if that makes sence

Does that sound right? anyone had any bump steer problems??

Cheers Matt

[daz]

does any one know if the z3 rack fits ok with s50b30?

[daniele30]

Hello Guys,

I've install E36 95' 318iS steering rack onto my e30.

i'm using 205/50/R16 ET25 AC type 1 wheel.

I've noticed when doing the full turn,

the tire just rubbing the wheel house chassis.

Any Solution for this ?

[geoffrey]

Has anyone completely installed a Z3 rack with an m20 and 6 branch? I know a few people have asked but has anyone actually managed to do it yet? Don't wanna exchange my rack for a z3 one if I wont be able to get it to work.