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Steering rack replacement
Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 7:43 am
by jls7
I have a fairly stock 318i e21, and the steering is pretty slow, ie. gotta turn the wheel a lot to turn the wheels a little. from memory, a mate's 323i e21 had a faster rack. is this correct? and if so, can I easily replace the current rack with one from a 323i, or are there other issues involved? like, is it more than a simple bolt in? would the steering be too heavy (i don't have power steering)? etc.
any help would be great, cos i've found a 323 rack i can buy.
Re: Steering rack replacement
Posted: Wed Mar 23, 2011 10:19 am
by e21-Mark
I don't think there is any difference in the steering ratio so no point fitting the 323 rack unless you want PAS? You would need to find someone selling a quick-rack or have one manufactured - not cheap! What size steering wheel are you using?
Re: Steering rack replacement
Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2011 2:53 am
by jls7
ohk then, must have been wrong about that, or his was modified. I'm just using the stock steering wheel. I have just found a PAS rack on eBay though -
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/BMW-E21-1980-Pow ... 2232wt_906
is that a simple DIY replacement?
cheers for your help
Re: Steering rack replacement
Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2011 8:30 am
by e21-Mark
So long as you get all the parts, they'll bolt on easily enough. If you feel like your turning the steering wheel to much, fit a smaller sports wheel?
Re: Steering rack replacement
Posted: Thu Mar 24, 2011 8:22 pm
by nas80
Make sure you get the steering link between the steering shaft n the rack. Cos its way shorter.
Re: Steering rack replacement
Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2011 7:47 am
by jls7
yeah I was thinking about a smaller wheel, but thought that less radius might just make it irritatingly hard to turn for a daily (maybe i should just htfu..). but i'll buy the PAS rack if i can and hopefully be able to find any missing parts if necessary, (ie. steering link - good tip)
thanks again guys.