Steering Chromie Convertible

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Stefan on probation
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Post Sun Aug 13, 2017 7:22 pm

Guys, if I wanted to tighten up the steering on an 88 Chromie so that it was more responsive then what would be the best solution and rough cost to do this oh and how long roughly to complete the work?

I ask as when I drive the car car and want to steer it I either have to get to 10 to or 10 past before it starts to change course.

Ta
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BenHar
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Post Sun Aug 13, 2017 7:53 pm

Check the rubber joint in the steering column between the rack and the bulkhead.

Ben
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Post Sun Aug 13, 2017 7:56 pm

Will do thanks.
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Post Tue Aug 15, 2017 1:49 pm

Cheers, Ben looks like the rubber is knackered checked on RealOem but it seems its NLA any advice on where to get the rubber or complete unit from?
jmc330i
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Post Tue Aug 15, 2017 2:14 pm

I changed to the Corsa solid joint and the difference was night and day from a knackered E30 joint.
James
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'93 318i touring 16v
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Post Tue Aug 15, 2017 2:40 pm

jmc330i wrote:I changed to the Corsa solid joint and the difference was night and day from a knackered E30 joint.
Any info on this, part number etc is it a straight swap etc
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Post Tue Aug 15, 2017 3:21 pm

SexyLady wrote:
jmc330i wrote:I changed to the Corsa solid joint and the difference was night and day from a knackered E30 joint.
Any info on this, part number etc is it a straight swap etc
http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/inde ... ng_Linkage

:wink:
James
'91 325i Sport
'93 318i touring 16v
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Post Tue Aug 15, 2017 5:27 pm

Thats fitted to an E36 rack though.
jmc330i
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Post Tue Aug 15, 2017 6:01 pm

SexyLady wrote:Thats fitted to an E36 rack though.
That's just the guide on how to mod the linkage to fit, it will fit E30/E36/E46 racks. I've got a standard E30 rack in my touring...
James
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'93 318i touring 16v
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Post Tue Aug 15, 2017 6:30 pm

Cool Ta, is it a lot better/more responsive and is it an easy swap?
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Brianmoooore
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Post Tue Aug 15, 2017 7:21 pm

SexyLady wrote: but it seems its NLA
It was readily available not long ago. Have you checked with Cotswold?
You need the special shouldered bolts to replace the OE rivets.
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Post Tue Aug 15, 2017 7:41 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:
SexyLady wrote: but it seems its NLA
It was readily available not long ago. Have you checked with Cotswold?
You need the special shouldered bolts to replace the OE rivets.
Not yet as I need to find the part number, which bolts do you suggest as my mechanic said he needs to grind the rivets out.
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Post Tue Aug 15, 2017 9:01 pm

Should have a good used rubber and the special bolts here if you want to save the hassle and wallet hammering of dealer supplied :D
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Brianmoooore
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Post Tue Aug 15, 2017 9:37 pm

Bolts are #6 here: http://2009.bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/ ... _assembly/
Nuts are just M8 Nyloc nuts.
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Post Tue Aug 15, 2017 9:56 pm

SexyLady wrote:Cool Ta, is it a lot better/more responsive and is it an easy swap?
Definitely better than the old joint - once removed, I could bend/twist it by hand :eek:
Whether it's better than a good standard joint I don't know as I've never compared the two. Being a solid joint, it does give a very responsive feel but it does show up any play in the rack as you can feel it through the wheel.
James
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'93 318i touring 16v
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Post Wed Aug 23, 2017 12:36 pm

All sorted, decided to keep it stock and DanThe supplied a replacement unit so a lot of thanks to Dan for sorting me out.

Just need to take it for a proper drive (better increase the insurance value as I have a couple of bolts left over) and to centre the steering wheel.