Steering Rack Rebuild?

[wilnj]

My E46 needs a steering rack rebuild. The ZHP came with a unique tune to the steering that I want to keep. New racks are NLA.

Rack Doctor used to be the go to but he’s no longer a reliable option.

Anyone have a trusted source that rebuilds?


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[A930Rocket]

I don’t know of anyone, and I heard that Rack doctor went AWOL.

I tried to rebuild one and was not successful. First time though, so who knows what I did wrong. Nowadays, you could probably find something on YouTube.

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

I don’t know of anyone, and I heard that Rack doctor went AWOL.

I tried to rebuild one and was not successful. First time though, so who knows what I did wrong. Nowadays, you could probably find something on YouTube.

There is this video but I don’t think it’s something I want to take on for my daily driver. Plus $100 or so for a spare rack, $100 for the rebuild kit plus down time sourcing the bearings, I’m not sure it’s the way to go.

https://youtu.be/W9drVXzCOuM


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[fastfredracing]

Wow, $1100 for a reman rack from Bosch. Owchies .

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by fastfredracing

Wow, $1100 for a reman rack from Bosch. Owchies .

There’s a company in Aus that I was considering buying from, significantly less even with shipping. Ever hear of Lucas Power Steering Racks?

EDIT: Sorry, for some reason I thought I was quoting Peter from AUS.


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[OK-944]

Have rebuild two 944 racks using rebuild kits from 944 online...and both continue to perform perfectly and remain leak-free.

Not all that difficult but a bit tedious, with a bit of extra care required for certain aspects, like removing tie-rods from the polished center carrier without marring the carrier, and replacing certain inner seals/O-rings without marring any critical surfaces.

And that carrier needs to display a high degree of polish, and be more or less perfectly cylindrical in cross-section, in order to maintain leak-free performance in concert with the O-rings through which it travels. Its not uncommon in an older rack to have this carrier display a bit of surface-rust, which can often be removed and the polish restored...but this must be done in a way which preserves (within tolerance) spec'd diameter and concentricity in order to remain leak-free. Some folks will chuck the carrier into a drill press and spin-polish with very fine grit paper (1000/1500/2000 then fine compound) - but I have not needed to try this.

Also, obviously replace all crush-washers, and maybe refresh (flatten/polish) surfaces which will be sealed by new crush washers. And be really careful not to over-torque any banjo bolts!

Finally, if a high pressure hose looks distorted, cracked, etc. - replace it!

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by OK-944

Have rebuild two 944 racks using rebuild kits from 944 online...and both continue to perform perfectly and remain leak-free.

Not all that difficult but a bit tedious, with a bit of extra care required for certain aspects, like removing tie-rods from the polished center carrier without marring the carrier, and replacing certain inner seals/O-rings without marring any critical surfaces.

And that carrier needs to display a high degree of polish, and be more or less perfectly cylindrical in cross-section, in order to maintain leak-free performance in concert with the O-rings through which it travels. Its not uncommon in an older rack to have this carrier display a bit of surface-rust, which can often be removed and the polish restored...but this must be done in a way which preserves (within tolerance) spec'd diameter and concentricity in order to remain leak-free. Some folks will chuck the carrier into a drill press and spin-polish with very fine grit paper (1000/1500/2000 then fine compound) - but I have not needed to try this.

Also, obviously replace all crush-washers, and maybe refresh (flatten/polish) surfaces which will be sealed by new crush washers. And be really careful not to over-torque any banjo bolts!

Finally, if a high pressure hose looks distorted, cracked, etc. - replace it!

The video I linked above was very detailed but by the time I buy a donor rack ($150) + a seal kit ($150) + bearings which I don't believe are included in the seal kits, grease, etc. I'm half way to buying a rebuilt unit with a warranty. I then have the opportunity to use my rack as a guinea pig for a rebuild.

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by wilnj

There’s a company in Aus that I was considering buying from, significantly less even with shipping. Ever hear of Lucas Power Steering Racks?

EDIT: Sorry, for some reason I thought I was quoting Peter from AUS.


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I replied to your PM. I'll check with my buddy who lives in Perth, Western Australia and get back to you. He's a car guy so he may know something about them.

[wilnj]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

I replied to your PM. I'll check with my buddy who lives in Perth, Western Australia and get back to you. He's a car guy so he may know something about them.

Thanks!


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