PAS v manual steering

[rix313]

My PAS rack is leaking fluid so it need's changing.

I've been looking at getting a reconditioned E30 PAS rack but I have been wondering about fitting a manual steering rack?

Any one have experience with a manual rack on a track car?

(not currently interested in an E36 conversion before any one brings it up )

[AdamGardner]

I have a manual rack that was fitted to a 318, always thought it was nicely weighted when going fast.

[jbh]

I had manual sterring on my old tech1 and i used it as a daily and tbh i preffer it. more feedback through the wheel extra. ill be fitting the manual rack to the current project.

[rix313]

That's interesting

Been thinking about it and removing the pump and associated pipes would help keep the weight down and it's one less thing to leak!

Look forward to hearing other peoples veiws.

[UweM3]

compare the "speed" of the rack before you fit a manual. You don't want to end up with more turns lock to lock than your PS assisted one.
Some people run the PS rack without pump, but I am not a fan of this.

[RPM]

I run a manual rack, it has a slightly worse lock to lock than a PAS rack

I'd say most of the PBMW grid run PAS racks with the pipes looped or the holes welded up, not heard of any issues but if you dont do it correctly you can get a lock in it

I went for the manual vs the conversion as it was easy, and designed to be just that, a manual rack.

[gareth]

TAS (iirc) used to do a manual quickrack for E30's. i'm not sure how this compares to E36 or Z3 racks but it might be worth a look?

[rix313]

Is that a member or a company Gareth ?

[gareth]

the are (or rather were) a company. they've gone bust.
the racks used to be listed in the rally design catalogue iirc - maybe they will be able to give you a pointer?

[rix313]

Rally design offer som Escort ones so might be worth an email cheers mate.

Apparently Quaife do quick rack conversions, sent them an email for a quote.