custom steering link RHD M50/motorsport

[Jason_323i]

Hi as a few people are doing m50 swaps I have been looking into getting a custom steeing link made like this



It replaces the rubber disk and use a e21pas/e34/e28 UJ which you split in half and add one end to each of the existing UJ's

I already have one for my e30 M3 which lets me run the stock LHD manifold in a RHD car, but the e21 one needs to be longer and I would have to order 5 so does any body want one at £75, dear I know but it is the only solution i have found as getting splines machined is not cheap.

Jason

[nas80]

i run a power steering rack and it comes as above with two seperate uj's, i simply milled an alloy bar to just the right size n then got it welded each end to exactly the same length as original.

i suppose it might be more of a pain on a non power steering car, but you can easily get it done with an alloy spacer and careful welding?

in the end this job cost me only £20 quid.

[Jason_323i]

I agree with you that welding is easier but there is a few issues with that

A welded steering component is an MOT fail

My car will not pass MSA scrutinering due to the above even if an MOT tester does not pick it up

Welding alloy anneals it, which may influence people’s opinion on whether it is suitable for the purpose

Jason

[nas80]

never knew that it was a fail!

problem is that your piece would be for a non power steerin rack, which is much longer? i need one shorter..

[rob0r]

Count me in.

[Jason_323i]

The on that thay already make for the e30 might just work on the PAS setup, I just need the dimensons of PAS linkage to check

Jason

[nas80]

from end to end its 10inch exactly (including the uj's)

[murran]

technically the failure item is "component has been repaired by welding or has had excessive heat applied....."

you could argue that the component has been made by welding.... not repaired by welding.....

[e21-Mark]

and far from being excessive the heat was exactly the right amount to weld it!

[nas80]

meh, I know the link is strong as, I think its gonna be way stronger than the splines?

problem is that the guy who engineered the car said that it was fine, but I needed some heat shield around the bottom uj's.

I'm pissed off that I didn't check this prior!

can you get these any cheaper if made of steel like the original? 75 seems excessive?

[murran]

"guy who engineered the car"? have you had the car inspected after your engine swap then? why was that insurance reasons?

[Madhatter]

doesnt give enough clearence for lhd exhaust manifolds (like, extractors or turbo manifolds) ?

[nas80]

"guy who engineered the car"? have you had the car inspected after your engine swap then? why was that insurance reasons?

yes.

[nas80]

doesnt give enough clearence for lhd exhaust manifolds (like, extractors or turbo manifolds) ?

when u fit the m5x engines the rear manifold hits the rubber disk bit. suppose lhd manifolds might fit a bit better?

[Madhatter]

I was thinking more along the lines of enough space to fit LHD M20 manifolds of which there are heaps, vs RHD ones which there is pretty much just one.