Power Steering Rack Seal Kit

Post Fri May 26, 2006 8:31 pm

Does anyone know of a supplier of power steering rack seal kits in the UK besides BMW? I have racks I'd like to refurbish, and fancy having a crack at it if I can get the parts.

Post Fri May 26, 2006 9:37 pm

TheDutch wrote: besides BMW? .

Didn't think they were available from BMW.
Racks get rebuilt in the UK, so the bits must come from somewhere, but I've only ever seen them advertised in the US.

Post Fri May 26, 2006 10:50 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:Didn't think they were available from BMW.

I assumed the 'Gasket Set' listed in the ETK was a rebuild kit, perhaps this is something different.

Anyway, yes I am aware they are for sale in the US, but it seemed strange to order parts from the US for a European car so common in the UK. The kit is $44+Postage from the states - I am trying to find out exactly how much the delivery will hammer my wallet, but am hoping I can find a UK source.

Post Sat May 27, 2006 12:16 am

If you can, I'm sure there's a few people on here who'd be interested in knowing where from.
May be worth stripping one of your racks first to see how difficult a job it is. From what I've read , it's not easy.

Post Sat May 27, 2006 9:18 am

Brianmoooore wrote:If you can, I'm sure there's a few people on here who'd be interested in knowing where from.
May be worth stripping one of your racks first to see how difficult a job it is. From what I've read , it's not easy.

Well from what I've read, it's not as hard as you think! (may need to login for link)

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/phpBB/view ... sc&start=0

I can believe there would be interest in it, as these racks don't seem to last long. Mines on it's third in 135,000 miles; they seem to be an uncharacteristically weak part of the car. And if you're competent enough to change the rack itself, then you should be up to rebuilding one too. The only set back might be poor condition of the actual rack and pinion, but I suspect these are designed in keeping with the rest of the car, and it's juts the seals that are failing so early.

Post Sat May 27, 2006 9:25 am

another guide from the above thread but non bmw specific
with pics may be usefull tho

http://www.clarks-garage.com/shop-manual/steer-03.htm