Steering Rack Swap writeup

[Grrrmachine]

We've had a few versions of this scattered around the Wiki, but nothing comprehensive. I've just done this to my own chariot, so here's the write-up:

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

As always, a few more pics would be appreciated (especially fitting track rods), and part numbers if anyone has them to hand. Please take the time to read them and let me know what corrections are needed.

[jmc330i]

Only a quick glance, and it looks good. Would it be worth changing the E36 M3 to '95 M3 3.0 and '96 onwards 3.2 Evo? The '95 M3 3.0 has a lock to lock of 3.0 turns, but its a variable ratio rack that slows in the centre, making it the slowest available from the E36 range.


Also I've fitted an E46 067 rack to my touring fitted with an M44 engine. I'm using an M42 exhaust manifold so it has the same linkage to manifold issues as an M42.
I've used the steering guibo delete method and the rack must be fitted in the front (manual rack) holes. The linkage fits past the standard M42 manifold but it's still close.

Tbh, I'm not totally happy with it as it is, so I'm going to look at the Corsa linkage or an off the shelf uj for a kit car. If a smaller uj can be found for the rack end and along with some minor manifold massaging, it's possible the rack could be mounted in the correct holes.

I won't be refitting the E46 rack for a while now, but I'll get some pics of the M42 specifics of the conversion when I do.

[BenHar]

Grrr,

Great work, well done. Is the improvement worth it?

A few comments, hope you don't mind.

"newer rack are physically a little bit shorter. This means that you need a pair of small metal spacers". Do you really mean shorter? To me shorter means less legth from one sde to the other, but I think this bit is talking about the depth of the mounting points on the rack?

In the which rack? table the E36 comment is in the part number field.

Not sure I agree with this bit: "It is critical that you do not touch the adjustment nut between the inner and outer tie rod. If you do, you will have to go through the whole process of having your steering geometry (tracking) adjust once the installation is complete. Leave them completely alone for now. "
I think that you MUST do a tracking check after doing the job anyway.

Typo in the pipes section "If you've ordered cusom pipes". Should be custom.

Ben

[Grrrmachine]

Your beady eye is appreciated as always Ben. I'll clean up the typos and formatting, and replace "shorter" with "not as tall" - I don't think "deeper" is right either.

I do need someone to chime in with pipe experiences, because my car's LHD I didn't have the same issues as UK folks. It would also be handy if someone actually tried the Corsa linkage

[MrWhite]

I've had a quick look and can add that the spacers required for the Z3 rack are the same (14mm) as the E36/46 rack. Not 8mm as noted in the parts section.

I've fitted the Z3 rack to my M42 touring so I'll have a proper read and see if there is anything else I could add.

[Grrrmachine]

Good to know they're 14mm. The 9-year-old thread I got the info from said 8mm for Z3, but it was 14mm for my E46 so I thought I'd err on the side of caution.

As an M42 owner, what steering linkage did you use? Do you have any of the rubbing issues on the manifold that others have mentioned?

[DHFiS]

I didnt have to cut my plastic undertray when I fitted an E36 rack in my iS but I did need to fit the lock limiting washers from the E36 to stop the inner edge of the wheel rubbing on the rubber brake hose.

[MrWhite]

As an M42 owner, what steering linkage did you use? Do you have any of the rubbing issues on the manifold that others have mentioned?

I modified the standard linkage by removing the rubber giubo and replacing it with a solid alu disc. The disc reduced the overall length of the linkage slightly, I'll try to find my drawing of it and put a photo up. I've not had any issues with the manifold. It is close but there is no rubbing, and that is with the manifold wrapped too.

The rack is mounted in the forward (manual rack) holes and it might also be worth adding that the fwd holes don't quite line up with the holes on the PAS rack so you need to tickle it with a round file.

I did also cut the sides of the undertray so the boots would clear it. No problems with lock but for slow manoeuvring with lots of steering input the pump struggles a bit.

[smithysmith]

another m42 e46 rack here. also had to go on the front mounting holes otherwise the lower steering uj fouls the manifold.

I also cut the undertray to clear the boots. I used the e30 boots still attached to the trackrods they were a very tight fit onto the rack end but do just fit.