manual steering!!

[sickbag]

hi, yep i'm new on here!! i have a 1986 325i with manual rack. could someone tell me how heavy steering/light steering should be as i'm gonna end up with bicep's the size of wales soon!! steering is very heavy to turn and you have to pull it round like you would on mini bus, tho there prob easier!! is it a common thing on these or would it be worth fitting power steering? any advice would be more than welcome!

steve

[Brianmoooore]

I regularly drive one E30 with manual steering, (and one with assisted, most days), and don't find it at all heavy except when manouvering at slow speeds. Once at "normal" speeds the manual is probably preferable to the assisted.

[sickbag]

cheers, i'll get it in garage as mate is a mechanic so he can give a check over see what's wrong with it!! it's heavy even when your moving, you've still got to man handle it! wonder if me bird would notice if i nicked rack off hers?? he he. cheers anyway mate and i'll post results on here!

[Brianmoooore]

Does the steering "self centre" when you let go of the wheel?

[Cyruz]

I prefer manual steering gives a better road feel, but you need powersteering for the e36 rack conversion (at least I've not heard of it done without). I was driving with a manual and a locked diff and it really wasn't too bad even when parking...

[sickbag]

hi, had mate check car, agreed steering too heavy, nothing wrong with rack so sprayed steering coupling and it's 100% better! yes mate it did self centre still. will see if it gets better over next few days, might just need a new coupling? thanks for help guys!!