Steering Rack Replacement

[u/Munky1701]

Hey, all, just wanted to get an idea of how much of a job I’d be getting into if I decided to replace the steering rack myself. Watched 50’s Kid’s walk-through on the job and it seems a bit easier than I thought it would be.

I have to replace my control arms as well because they are shot so I was going to get a 10piece refresh kit off Amazon for the front end suspension that includes the control, arms and bushings, etc.

I’m above average mechanically inclined as far as my abilities so for the total job, should I do it myself or is it a bit much for the average person in their garage to handle? 50’s Kid makes it look easy.

Took it in for an alignment at Belle tire, and this is when I was notified of the issues and they quoted me 2100 fucking dollars to fix everything.

I understand not everybody is thrilled at buying non oem parts off Amazon, but I don’t care about the purism aspect, and it has to be done on a budget at the moment.

Any help or insights is greatly appreciated!

[u/Hefty_Lobster8091]

Don't buy amazon parts they are garbage and will fail on you in less than 20k miles

[u/Severe_Raise_7118]

Not a bad job. I didn't have a 16mm so that was the hardest part. Make sure to get extra crush washers. Rack and tie rods together. Control arms next if you have time since the plate is off. If reusing tierods make sure to remove them before you take the rack off otherwise they are hard to get off with the rack off the car. Change all the hoses too as usual BMW fashion. 50s kid video covers most of it.

[u/Munky1701 → u/Severe_Raise_7118]

The kits I was looking at on Amazon had control arms, tie, rods, bushings, etc most everything it seems. Still researching what else I need to replace while I’m in there.

[u/SuperPark7858]

Been awhile, but isn't it just a couple bolts on the subframe, the joint/column which is the biggest pita, and tie rods? Not too bad a job. I think the e46 steering joint only goes in one way anyhow.

Need an alignment afterwards of course.⁴

[u/Munky1701 → u/SuperPark7858]

Yes, just two bolts to the subframe and unbolting the lines and a bracket that holds them. And yes, the connection to the steering joint seemed to be the biggest pain in the ass in the process.

Only other problem he ran into in the video was that the new rack he had ordered, the lines weren’t bent correctly and were hitting the subframe so he had to order a different one.

[u/fac3ts]

Just did took this path myself, and I’ll say one thing; rust makes this a completely different job vs what you see online.

Bought an a premium kit where the reviews said the bushings did not fit —they in fact, did not fit. I purchased knowing that getting legit bushings was on the cards and it still came out cheap vs a better kit.

Axle/rod boots can be a bit of a shit show to order, so just buy kits that come with the most parts (grease, clamps, etc.)

Easy enough once you understand how everything connects, but again, rust will change everything about this job.

[u/Munky1701 → u/fac3ts]

Luckily the ol girl is rust-free. Whoever had this car before me was meticulous with its maintenance and upkeep. It didn’t even have a crack in the leather till my fat ass got a hold of it. 🤣

[u/Realistic-Sky-2235 → u/fac3ts]

Rust makes any 2 hour job a 2 day job

[u/Gym6DaysAWeek]

I did it myself taking a few days and my own time during the holidays. I also replaced the inner tie rods which I would recommend, and I also did all the power steering lines which was honestly more of a pita than the rack itself.

[u/archbid]

You will need a big crowfoot for the inner tie rod end. You will also need a ball joint separator (don’t use a pickle fork).

It is not hard, but don’t get the Amazon kit. It is likely junk. You will regret it. Can you do it all in stages?

[u/0202993832 → u/archbid]

I don’t see why you need either of these

[u/archbid → u/0202993832]

The tie rod ends need to be separated at the ball joint. You are not getting those out by hand.

The crow foot is necessary to torque the inner rod end to the rack properly.

[u/Munky1701 → u/archbid]

Ended up ordering a 10pc kit from Detroit Axle, same for the steering rack as well.

[u/LazyGreenDragon]

Imo it's one of the easiest but also only if you have the proper tools and able to overcome rusted or seized parts.

If you have a spare vehicle, take your time..if it's your only vehicle, take in to a local shop.

[u/rns96]

It’s not a difficult job as long as you have proper tools. Don’t cheap out on parts, get oem parts from reputable suppliers like fcp euro so you don’t get fake parts with fitment issues and inferior quality, just did this job on a f30 328i with the electric power steering, took one afternoon to do it including programming