BMW E46 Steering Rack Replacement DIY

[@michaeldaniel8736]

This is what I have learned over the years no technician is going to love your car as much as you

[@javiergrant70]

You got that right!!

[@DerKaktusAvant]

As a technician I am more careful on customers cars than my own haha

[@Eazykilldavis]

Thank you for making all of the e46 videos, you have helped me with fix many problems on my e46. I'm grateful to you

[@mikelm7398]

Jason, I am very proud of you because you are always very focused on topics and thus explain it as understandable as no other! Please keep it up, I love your videos. greetings from Austria mike

[@Marc69mk3]

I just did my 2000 323i Steering Rack your video was great, two things I did before starting, Locked the steering wheel, and measured the current Tie Rods from the end of the threads to the middle circle of the Bolt joint (bottom) then took a second measure from the Bolt to the outer part of the Bolt joint did this on both sides, saved me having to count turns. also that plastic sleeve that had to be taken out of the steering rack I slowly pried on the bottom of it making sure the screw driver was inserted to the splines did this slowly on several sides and also making sure on the top I also with a very small pick freed that little black ring first since its attached to the neck of the plastic, BUT before I did all this I applied lots of dw40 and lit it soak a day :), your video made all this happen, YOU have saved me so much money on so many things THANK YOU so much for your time and effort you are a champ to all of us

[@jamescarlin569]

I seriously can't thank you enough you have no idea I don't have much money I'm a landscaper so obviously I do most of my own car repair I bought this 2003 325 for a grand and you are a lifesaver sir... Here on out I swear to God you are invited to all family dinners and BBQs

[@BonanzaBart]

Another outstanding video. I’m E92 guy and I’m getting my son into BMWs (he’s got E36). Your videos are so informative and educational. Thank you!

[@MBilske]

Hey 50's kid, Hope you are doing well. Just wanted to take the time to thank you for the video's you post. I have a 2001 330CI. I did the power steering rack and pump today and your video's were very helpful. Thank you for your time!!

[@assyerick88]

I have been waiting for this video for the past few months since i got my e46. There is countless videos on how to take an e46 apart piece by piece but literaly only 2 videos on how to take a steering rack out of an e46

[@Ughfindinganameisannoying]

You for sure gotta be the most helpful BMW mechanic

[@spokanee46]

i just smashed a curb on my e46 while drift ruined the power steering rack and lower control was arm bent and bent my wheel this guy is so helpful for fixing my e46 thankyou

[@ThePike57]

Man you have helped me and my son work on his little whip... You vids are a gold mine. Thank you

[@brando7552]

The best and simple way to change your rack and pin thank you for this video!

[@rhodeso11]

I can’t believe it!!!! I knew this video was coming. It’s like you bypassed the steering rack in every repair lol. THANK YOU!!! No one has a decent video on KZbin of an E46 steering rack repair. You just made history with this tutorial. Coincidentally, I just changed my steering rack yesterday as well as all of my hoses. I even replaced the power steering pump.

[@rhodeso11]

Also what alignment shop do you recommend. Is it local? I don’t want to go to the dealership, but I’m nervous the local alignment shop will lie about knowing BMW alignment specs and and having the proper tools and equipment.

[@50sKid]

Any shop that can do a computerized alignment should have the specs on a 15 year old car, ya know?

[@amarharb8515]

Thanks for all the information that you give us about BMW with videos. Thanks allot

[@davidramez6219]

Perfect timing. Was gonna upgrade to a ZHP steering rack.

[@philipgrobler7253]

Dang, your car is clean, I was sooo dirty when I replaced the steering rack on mine, but then again, it leaked for some time before I could replace it.

[@vipereavp]

You come in clutch every time. Never fails

[@bigzkiller123]

Thank you for the video! I didn’t replace my steering rack but I noticed play so I used your video as reference. Weird though I’m not sure why or how the rack bolts were loose

[@jessedean5113]

I feel like you should have paid more attention to the alignment of the splines.. if your one tooth off, that will cause bump steer. Car will drive straight after alignment. However, high speed bumps will cause the car to sway side to side because the tie rods are not equal length. All because the rack wasn't centered during installation. Its extremely important to get your steering wheel aligned with the rack. Otherwise you have to pull the rack out and re center the splines. Or live with bump steer.

[@klextin]

I am sorry but your assessment of what causes bump steer is not even close to correct. what will cause bump steer is having the center line of the tie rod ends higher or lower than the center line of the front spindle. The rack being off a tooth will only cause the steering wheel to not be centered. the vehicle still needs to be aligned as he stated.

[@UC559]

@@klextin can you go into more detail with this as i recently replaced my rack and got an alignment and noticed bump steer

[@rigobertotorres733]

Right on man, your channel is awesome bro. 👍👍👍👍

[@rhodeso11]

Okay. I just watched your whole video and you purchased the same power steering pump as me. (The first one) All I did with that one is, I got one side in and the other side has to be grabbed and pulled down/sort of spun. 2005 E46 325i.

[@Leamsi]

Can you describe this in greater detail? I can't seem to recreate the motion.

[@raymondee100]

Thanks Jason for the video upload , I've got a 325ti compact and I'm thinking it should be roughly the same and after watching your video you have given me the confidence to have a go myself , the cheapest quote was £500 +vat from my local garage , just need to get the inverted Torx sockets then good to go! Wish me luck guys.

[@CmdrStukov]

Bloody hell, 600 quid for a steering rack swap?

[@raymondee100]

@@CmdrStukov got a second hand rack for £60 and all fitted and now up the local trye garage getting tracking done for £24 ! Just goes to show how much money you can save by watching a KZbin vid and getting some tools out.....

[@CmdrStukov]

@@raymondee100 that's well impressive. From 600 to 84 (not including the money you had to cough up for the torx sockets) - I am looking to have mine done - I'll by getting a refurb'd purple tag rack from an ebayer up north for 99 quid. I won't be doing it myself though - working on the road outside my house is too risky.

[@s4ms0n1t3]

You can get oem used e46 steering racks on ebay for really cheap.

[@NOT444U]

How do you know if theyre not messed up , im searching for one for my 335i but im nervous to order it on ebay 😭

[@robertthrem3382]

You could run a string line across the tires if you know what your toll in is or mark the tire maybe put a screw in the tire then measure the front then turn the tire and back .the problem is the spline on the steering shaft if it's not like the steering wheel it only goes on one way then you get to figure that out.. I think my 2005 automatically straightens the steering but the columns kind of messed up I have to clean that thing

[@ignacioromero5014]

You didn't say how the rack n pinion preformed with a rebuilt kit. you know before and after characteristics.Thanks for the videos great job.

[@hectorespana9078]

0:04-0:08 😂😂😂 how I be feeling

[@chermiller8369]

So for anyone who wants to know the black plastic piece is called an index cap. They are unavailable except on a bosch or bmw steering rack. I found a used one at a website called the rack doctor. A company in business for the last 20 years rebuilding steering racks. Cery knowledgeable on bmw racks

[@MrDjconquest]

Awesome video and clarity as always!!!

[@s3vR3x]

ha! i heard a AVE reference! "Chinesium!"

[@maxkeliikipi8654]

16:16 “yes i am causing damage to the aluminum, no i don’t care”😂😂

[@toniocastro5426]

Jason. How do we know when the power steering rack is going bad.?

[@migelprager1097]

Hi Jason, the video is couple of years old, but do you remember exactly why you exchanged the steering rack? Besides the leak shown in the beginning, was there any issue, vibration or stiffness in the steering? In my E46 325ti (EU only) I detected some play in the wheels when I wiggle them 9-3 (hands position) and the only thing that moves are the tie-rods but inside the steering rack side, all the rest (control arms, brakes rotors, calipers, ball joints, lollipop bushings, etc) is either new or still solid... Thank you :)

[@BlackFiredDragon]

Hi 50s kid. I deeply appreciate your videos. If you can help, I rebuilt my steering rack, replacing the seals. I damaged one of the seals by accident, but I put it back in anyway and it worked great. After a couple years, it started leaking again, so I pulled it out, took it apart to replace that seal I damaged. When I put it back into my car, I started it up after adding fluid, and it steering wheel started violently shaking left and right on its own! When it's off and I try to turn it, it moves freely for a little, then gets stuck, and you have to push passed to get it moving again. It gets stuck at random intervals. Of course, this problem only happens when it's installed and pressurized with the fluid added. I took it apart again but I can't figure out what is wrong

[@allanhaughton2195]

On your powering steering rack video. Couldn't you swap the lines. I realized the new one was sticking out more than the after market one. You actually said maybe you could do that. So can I switch the lines from the old one to the after market one . Sorry. I am Allan. I have an E46 2000 323i. Did a lot of work myself by watching your videos. Your videos are more simple than most others. Actually better than others I looked at. That's my question on that

[@TedSchoenling]

My rack was loose and I used a stubby wrench on the nut and a socket on the bolt on the subframe.. That may have worked for you too

[@cadong92692]

Would like to see e46 steering rack rebuild

[@johnsimpson7349]

love your you tube I've learned a lot from you.ihave rebuild my hold 1999 328i e46

[@albamels]

Nice video, but Good luck On the all wheel drive model whole subframe is differentin and 3x harders to remove

[@jerolvilladolid]

All that work for a leak. Cant you just wrap a plastic film around it so it wouldnt leak? Mine leaks too 😢, and im looking for easy fixes

[@BigLongJohnson79]

Did you ever fix it

[@jerolvilladolid]

Carl Johnson i learned to buy 40 liters of transmission fluid and refill it everytime i use the car. Been doing this for a year now and havent seen the problem again lol

[@Gtgunnaz]

Great video!

[@crazzy88ss]

Remanufactured steering racks are now in the $800-1500 range!?

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

Oh that looked like a pain in the ass! Well done Jason!!

[@johnsumner6185]

I just bought a 2004 e46 325i, no rust, like new in and out. Just replaced the Control arm bushings, battery and passenger low beam bulb. Next is the rear window actuator. Your videos are very helpful. Where did you get this steering rack from? Prices are all over the map when googling. Thanks in advance. PS Great videos!

[@chadwheeler7705]

Thanks for the brilliant knowledge on this diy. Could you provide me the torque spec for the 2 bolts for the rack to the subframe? Thanks!

[@zahkam7322]

Just curious , Couldnt you have swapped the pipe from the old rack onto the new rack?

[@Banditemcee123]

I replaced my power steering pump on my e46 wagon and it still won't return to center when I drive and it's stiff....could it be I need a new rack??

[@MsMatth33]

Hey when I grab the u joint and try to move it back and forth, it does, a lot. Should there be any play? My steering wheel is so loose that I can turn it a lot before it even starts to catch the rack and move it.

[@p3rformanc3fanatic60]

What is a good option for sourcing a new steering rack.

[@rainsf0rd]

I gotta do this on my 330xi ... I grabbed a rack from the junkyard and the front clip was already gone. Big issue is, rack is _inside_ the subframe. On the junkyard car, I just dropped the two front subframe bolts and slid the bugger sideways out. On my own car ... I think I have to drop the subframe to do it properly :( Have you ever done a 330xi?

[@chrispewkreme]

I just got a new rack off eBay and I’m afraid it won’t fit. I’ll be tackling it this week.

[@claude5115]

Good that guys like you have too much money, it just need a seals kit,but it's ok, thanks to you i can find cheap parts ,lol , but good video by the way,

[@SeanScarbrough]

Wish i can find that black plastic part. Mine doesn't want to come off in one piece.

[@Makjeh]

Do all E46's have the same rack or does a 323 or a 320 or 325 have a different one than a 330 for example?

[@nimatabibian9810]

From what I've seen on the forums, the m3/323/325/328/330 have 15.4:1, m3 zcp has 14.5:1, and the 330 zhp 13.7:1.

[@anders949494]

my steering rack knocks a little when cold when you drive on a gravel/bumpy road at low speed, but when the engine and power steering fluid get warm, theres no knocking driving on the same road, bit strange.

[@chrisjohnson7264]

If you just have a knocking noise check to make sure those two bolts holding the rack on are tight, saw a guy who had loose ones and had a knock that sounded like it was from the rack

[@customcruiserroy]

Great video. I have a friend with a 2002 330xi. It needs a new rack as well. Is the procedure the same? It has a HUGE plastic splash pan covering the entire engine and trans below, so I can't see all where I will have to play in. Anyway, any help you van lend is greatly appreciated. Take care!

[@fransb8543]

Why not unscrew at the inner joints and save yourself the hassle of counting and recounting screw turns? Since your ball joints are still stiff you should be able to re-use them.

[@MrRod0]

My e60 2008 528i steering was getting loose in the center when driving worn out 249,000 it’s a lot of money to have someone replace it! The car is getting old 11 years old and I did not want to spend more replacing the rack the car is hardly worth that now sooooo. . .. so I loosened the racks adjusting screw used a paint can opener tool like Home Depot gives you pulled out the piston then marked the top steering and rack by tire pulled up about 2” top shaft so it disgagse the teeth from the rack pulled off passanger tire unscrewed both inter tie rods took out the clip on passager side at rack that holds in the bearing and pulled the shaft out😃 bought a rack on eBay for 100 bones took the new shaft and installed it 👍 put bearing and new clip and aligned shaft to my mark put back top steering shaft to my mark tightened everything back up just like new again nice and tight bmw steering note yes use grease on rack. Metal to metal is a no no🤣🤣🤣 sure it took a day but saved me🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑🤑 so if you don’t have big money to spend on taking it out there you go! And yes yes yes there’s enough room for the small rack to come out💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@gevargizaslani5257]

Is this the same procedure for a 330xi???

[@tady64]

Very good video and detail just replace my in 2008 328i BMW , but I wish you did more info on after install did you run any more problems? first to all doing this job for the first time, disconnect the battery and make sure steering wheel is in lock than when connecting the rack make sure you not overturning steering wheel column because I did and my steering angle sensor broke and run all kind of lights came out from ABS airbag DTC BRAKE also my cruise control stop working and wipers, and the switch along cost additional $160 bucks and taking apart whole steering wheel. beside this thanks for the video..

[@MarcusLewis23]

What do you mean by inverted torques do I need to turn it the other direction like right instead of left

[@sir_charelzwatzbrackin7705]

Great vid, its gonna help me out. Thanks!!

[@ridewithjash]

is there a drain bolt on the rack?

[@mikle65]

only thing i struggle to work out is how i'm going to fit the plastic dust cover you struggled with the 1st rack and get it centered? and how i'm going to connect the column?

[@uighkgui]

Whats that very big screw head on the rack? Isnt there an adjustment screw to reduce the play?

[@barryjp267]

Where did you get that rack from . Would you recommend eBay ones

[@ckwidmer]

Hey 50skid, thanks for yet another amazing video. Seems like things on your car break in the same order as mine, just a year ahead. I had one question about this job, did you remove the reinforcement shield for this job or was it off anyway?

[@johnnykamacho808]

I'm wondering too

[@sr20dett1000]

I'm having the same issue. Only on right side

[@uvolniavka1]

How is the replacement rack feeling? It seems to me that the original rack was type with quick steering ratio - 3.0 turns lock to lock. The replacement is different and may be a bit slower.

[@SL1CKS1]

Is it necessary to change all those pipes and hoses to rack, thanks.

[@andyberrisford6702]

Hi how come you didn’t just shorten and re flare the pipes so the bend was closer to the union rather than sending the whole rack back on e bay

[@AlejandroGomez-qv5qn]

I just had rack, tie rods and stabilizing arms replaced. Now steering wheel rotates 1 1/2 times to right but rotates 3 times to left. I took it to alignment shop again, they said alignment is off a bit but a new alignment would not fix my rotation issue. Any suggestions of what would cause steering wheel to rotates 1 1/2 times to right but 3 full rotations to the left? Thanks everyone

[@edgarortega8831]

What is main issue to replace it?

[@erixfiallos587]

Really good guide!

[@MrGEO1940]

The same problem happened to me today with the exact same part, I don't know what to do. It's not worth returning it, it's from abroad... I paid 274 euros. Is there any solution other than buying another one?

[@MortenCV97]

It seems like every one of the cheap racks has this problem. Tried to mount a cheap Ridex steering rack nought through autodoc today and had the exact problem, the lines crashes into the subframe 😅 It is weird that so many is produced when they dont fit, so it seems like people may get this ones to fit in one way or another 🤔

[@RaggedyRacingGarage]

Please do a video of the transmission lines!!

[@mromagachi5194]

amazing diy thanks

[@mrnajee1]

couldn't you have taken the line to a machine shop and had the end of the hose snipped to accommodate the bend and re-flared to stop the fitting from sliding off?

[@wjohnsonism]

Did you change your camera? It's seems clearer. Or maybe the lighting? Anyways, great diy.

[@50sKid]

same camera, same dirty lens as always!

[@jakubmarincic7543]

awesome video. thanks!

[@noeolmedo2942]

That was nice job bro

[@kurzjames]

Thanks for buying the wrong parts so we don't have to :D

[@briancastellanos3865]

Do you need to have the wheels off the ground to turn the steering wheel left to right before you set it on the ground ? Cause I changed my rack and all my power steering lines then dropped the car onto the ground filled it up with fluid and I can’t steer the wheel

[@JohnIsett]

Jason! Did I miss something? Did you say you put your automatic transmission back in after the manual conversion? When did you do that series of videos?!!

[@50sKid]

I swapped back because I got a new job and now I have a commute and didn't want to drive the stick in stop and go traffic every day. Not my cup of tea. The car is basically a test bed platform for all the various mods one can do--I regularly do things and then remove them later, catch can, manual swap, etc.

[@JohnIsett]

Understand! Did you put the automatic diff back in, too?

[@ricardogarciaramos7565]

Where i can buy that plastic part u took off? Please i need to know i m replacing everything of the rack and pinion parts

[@nathanielhill901]

Very good video.

[@DorronEVO1]

Thank you for the video. Do i need to buy new hoses and seals or can i just transfer to the new one?

[@adamb50]

Are the banjo bolts reusable?

[@Reebang]

Very good Video thank you for your share

[@RaggedyRacingGarage]

I need help. I own a 2000 bmw 328i and I can’t get the new transmission lines in I cut the old ones out I just can’t get the new ones In!

[@PKAaron16]

Tool list anyone? Also awesome video!

[@Mkeye71]

u have part number?e46 bmw steering rack bush

[@julianmcalister6865]

Got a question for ya 50’s. My input shaft below the steering coupler has a very small amount of play when twisting clockwise and counter clockwise. Are these things supposed to be tight with no play? I’m chasing a issue with mine. My car wonders every which way especially when going over bumps and uneven roads. I replaced my tie rods, control arms, sway bar links, and control arm bushings. I still have the same issue.

[@HLamTran7]

My 2003 e46 325xi is having misfires for cylinder 4,5,6 with fuel cut off. I’ve replaced the fuel filter, fuel pump, disa valve, cleaned the ICV and checked for vacuum leaks. I’m not to sure what’s wrong with it still.

[@davidcruz8227]

HLamTran7 coils and spark plugs

[@wdt81]

I have replace my steering reack. But my car is steering so hard. My steering wheel did not good turn back to the middle. Someone know what that is?

[@MisterKoae]

Hi! Nice video and explanations. I have a question. How many liters of atf fluid did you need? Thanks.

[@brendam455]

I replace the boots and rods and it's leaking through the new boot why is that

[@brandonata5847]

Any chance this is similar to the BMW Z4 2005 .. 🫣

[@cadong92692]

If you switch back to your automatic transmission, did you replace the center support bearing on the driveshaft?

[@CesarMartinez-rr1vp]

Hi 50sKid I just bought a 2001 BMW 330Ci and it came with a problem, when turning the steering wheel to the left the wheels turn normally but when I try turning to the right both front wheels stay pointing to the left and the steering wheel spins freely to the right, any thoughts in what the problems might me? Any thought might help me figure out an idea of how much this fix will cost me.

[@brookeheyman7133]

Great video once again. Where can I get that ZF rack online? Do you have a part number? Doing mine today. Thanks.