Steering rack replacement

[Foe]

So far I've removed the tie rods from the wheel and removed the 21 & 19mm nut from the rack including the 13mm nut which holds the rack to the UJ .
Next is the two nuts holding the rack to the car and hopefully can do this sooner rather than later!
It's been slightly easier than I first thought and fingers crossed all goes smoothly when I tackle the next section.
Any advice or personal experience welcome

[Dlb26]

Did mine beginning of this year, which rack are you using and have you got pipes from DanThe?
It was easy enough, I did the e36/e30 coupling mod from the wiki also. I also did my very weapy sump gasket at the same time whilst the rack was out of the way which was much more a pain.

[Brianmoooore]

Tap a wedge (I use a stubby flat blade screwdriver) into the pinch gap of the UJ to open it up very slightly. When refitting the rack, fit the LH securing bolt only at first, using it as a pivot point to swing the RH side and UJ into place.
Bleeding air out of the rack and system consists simply of turning the steering from full lock to opposite full lock a couple of times, with the engine running. System will be noisy until all the little air bubbles in the fluid have settled out in the reservoir.

[Foe]

Did mine beginning of this year, which rack are you using and have you got pipes from DanThe?
It was easy enough, I did the e36/e30 coupling mod from the wiki also. I also did my very weapy sump gasket at the same time whilst the rack was out of the way which was much more a pain.

Hi. Swapping like for like, not upgrading to a purple tag. Only because I have a 316 and not feeling the need upgrade.
Luckily my sump is dry, but a good point while the rack is off.

Tap a wedge (I use a stubby flat blade screwdriver) into the pinch gap of the UJ to open it up very slightly. When refitting the rack, fit the LH securing bolt only at first, using it as a pivot point to swing the RH side and UJ into place.
Bleeding air out of the rack and system consists simply of turning the steering from full lock to opposite full lock a couple of times, with the engine running. System will be noisy until all the little air bubbles in the fluid have settled out in the reservoir.

Thanks for the advice. I've also soaked the UJ bit in penatrating fluid, it all helps...... hopefully!

[Foe]

It's been like forever! Booked the day off tomorrow, so whether rain, shine or sub zero temps, I'm doing this!! Ggrrrrr!

[Foe]

If this section of the outer tie rod end spins as you tighten the nut is it nackerd? New tie rod??

[Brianmoooore]

Not necessarily, unless there's obvious up and down movement of the pin. The exposed thread needs to be clean, so that the nut doesn't bind, then put a jack under the ball joint to push the taper home in its socket, to provide some resistance to the torque applied to the nut as you tighten it.

[Foe]

Not necessarily, unless there's obvious up and down movement of the pin. The exposed thread needs to be clean, so that the nut doesn't bind, then put a jack under the ball joint to push the taper home in its socket, to provide some resistance to the torque applied to the nut as you tighten it.

Thanks for the reply. No up and down movement.

[Foe]

Out with the old!
No pictures of the one going in as it raining.
It's all in all bolts tightened up.
Just the inner and outer tie rod ends. Which I'll do once I've had some dinner and dried off!

[Foe]

All done!
Took out for a test drive and all I can say is wow!
Also a massive confidence boost on getting another part of my car done myself!

If you're steering rack is leaking from one or both of the gators, don't wait, get it replaced. Sooooo much smoother.
I'll keep the old rack and buy a rebuild kit to do on the kitchen table when the night's draw in.
Big shout to @Brianmoooore for the advice and @magpie for the replacement steering rack

[paultv]

Nice one dude! Great to see owners tackling these jobs and having the satisfaction of knowing it's done right...great confidence booster too.




Paul

[Foe]

Nice one dude! Great to see owners tackling these jobs and having the satisfaction of knowing it's done right...great confidence booster too.




Paul

Thanks Paul.
I've seen you and others giving it a go, and good to feel inspired by those on here

[martauto]

All done!
Took out for a test drive and all I can say is wow!
Also a massive confidence boost on getting another part of my car done myself!

If you're steering rack is leaking from one or both of the gators, don't wait, get it replaced. Sooooo much smoother.
I'll keep the old rack and buy a rebuild kit to do on the kitchen table when the night's draw in.
Big shout to @Brianmoooore for the advice and @magpie for the replacement steering rack

Cool mate , did you have the tracking sorted?

Mart.

[Foe]

All done!
Took out for a test drive and all I can say is wow!
Also a massive confidence boost on getting another part of my car done myself!

If you're steering rack is leaking from one or both of the gators, don't wait, get it replaced. Sooooo much smoother.
I'll keep the old rack and buy a rebuild kit to do on the kitchen table when the night's draw in.
Big shout to @Brianmoooore for the advice and @magpie for the replacement steering rack

Cool mate , did you have the tracking sorted?

Mart.

Thanks
That's next on my list, just need to get some tyres ( order on line as no garages keep decent tyre's, only budgets) and will get the tracking done as well.

[Foe]

Update
So I now have 4 new maxxis tyre's on the car, the miss matched budgets are finally gone!
Tracking done, and may I say, my word what a bloody difference!
The little creaks, clinks and clonks, over rough roads gone!?
No more steering wheel wobble at 50mph.
Just spot on

Just a thousand more little things to do and I'm done!

[martauto]

Glad it`s all sorted in that respect mate

Mart.

[Foe]

Glad it`s all sorted in that respect mate

Mart.

Thanks! Also replaced the spare tyre. Have a look, Good year Eagle!!
There's about a million cracks in the rubber!