EP. 2 My BMW E30 Restoration - Purple Tag Rack - Complete Rebuild + Restoration

This video is a complete step by step rebuild/restoration of the bmw e46 clubsport/purple tag rack which is a very popular swap for e30's as it can easily change the lock-lock from 4 turns down to 3!
After struggling to find any solid information of the e46 rack rebuild, I thought I would take it upon myself to get all the info I can and try it out!
Within the video I will be:
- First completely disassembling the rack down to it's indiviual components
- Sand blasting and respraying the rack body
- Zinc plating the pipes and other hardware
- Clean of all parts
- Assembly of the rack with new o rings and seals
The seal kit used for this is a Corteco 13X044VS 25pcs kit.
This worked perfectly however the 4 hardline o ring's were different, but that was easy to sort as they were only small.
I then also replaced the 6001 bearing which is easily sourced.
All the rest was restored by myself.
My Instagram is @bad_e30

[@euricorodrigues1246]

Thanks for the fantastic video. It's always a pleasure to see someone with knowledge do things well. Great workmanship and sense of organisation. Now I don't have an excuse to make a mess out of mine...

[@BadE30]

Appreciate the kind words!! Good luck for your future project 😎

[@oliverjantz1108]

You can tell this guy knows how to turn a wrench!!!!

[@oliverrathbun]

Thanks for the EXCELLENT tutorial. Saved me a lot of time and trouble. As for the PTFE seals... While using the hot water method to give them more pliability is necessary for installation there will be unavoidable stretching of the PTFE material that unfortunately does not revert back to it's pre-installed size. I found there to be too much "slack" in the the seals that I think could cause failure of the seal's function. To correct this problem here is what I did. Once installed heat the seal with a hair dryer. TIGHTLY wrap the seal with electrical tape wound two or three times around the seal. Use a hose clamp around the wrapped seal and tighten. Keep it clamped for an hour or two then re-tighten clamp leave it clamped for another hour. This procedure takes all slack out of the seals and they look like the original factory fit.

[@BadE30]

Very nice idea. Luckily with installing mine nice and quickly without too much effort, there was no excessive play when installed. On a test piece i did have a slack one due to too much stretching on installation

[@hotchkess846]

I’m super thankful you made this video. It helped me from start to finish while doing my steering rack. One little thing I should mention is this video applies to (as far as I know) every E46 steering rack, not just the purple tag one. I followed this video on my green tag M3 rack, and all of the seals were identical. I was able to buy my rebuild kit off Rock Auto here in the U.S. (part number: 348654), although right now it only says they have one left in stock :/

[@BadE30]

Glad it helped! I am certain the only difference between the other coloured racks is that the ratio of the rack and pinion, which should not affect the seal kit!

[@errolryan5467]

This is a great video just adding useful information for anyone who's gonna build your rack with the help of this video, you must lubricate your O rings and seals but that's not enough, you also have to lubricate inside of the rack housing where the shaft and pinion goes. Also make sure to lube your rack end seals and also the shaft for it to slide smoothly through new seals. I damaged my shaft center seal and one seal in the pinion due to lack of lubrication when reinstalling.

[@BadE30]

As you said! Perfect addition to what I should’ve had in the video, thanks

[@DavidYonan-h2h]

What type of lube would you recommend for an E46 steering rack rebuild?

[@bgmx74]

@@DavidYonan-h2h I'd also appreciate lubricant recommendations if they can be made. Thank you!

[@blaiserascal]

Thank you so much for posting this video. It's really comprehensive! I am about to rebuild the E46 Yellow Tag rack for myself, and it helps a lot. For anybody looking for a donor rack - try looking for one with "1" added to the part number at the end. For example - the yellow tag rack's part number ends with 712 so when you find one with 713 it means it has been rebuilt by ZF, so it's more likely to be in good condition.

[@BadE30]

Glad you have found it helpful! Great info btw. Cheers

[@blaiserascal]

@@BadE30 one more question - did you do this rebuild as preventative maintenance, for the heck of it, or was the rack showing signs of wear? The one I've got seems pretty solid, no play whatsoever and I'm wondering whether I should rebuild it or just let it be and install it in the car. Production date is 09/05. I am tempted to rebuild it though to learn something new

[@BadE30]

There was no reason for me to do it, but with the standard of the whole restoration of the car, I didn’t want to just put a unknown condition part on! And yeh with them being 20-15 years old, I don’t see the problem with overhauling them as a preventative maintenance. Then again i am a mechanical maintenance engineer haha!

[@blaiserascal]

@@BadE30 Haha that's really cool. I'm quite the opposite, I am completely self taught so sometimes I lack confidence a bit. I guess such rebuilds are like Legos for adults, I am doing it mostly cause its fun :). Power steering pump is next on the list

[@BadE30]

I still lack confidence when completing this stuff as there can be so little info at times where I’m really just figuring out as I go on. I always prefer to see someone do it first haha! I’ve got my oil pump to rebuild which is definitely going to be a scary thing!

[@stuartmcmillan2518]

Brilliant watch, my head would have burst with the amount of seals there 😂

[@beton04f]

Thanks a lot, I was fighting with the biggest seal (hard plastic) for the double hydraulique main piston. You got me the solution ;)

[@BadE30]

Great to hear it helped! Hope the rest of the rebuild goes well

[@kartopfelsalat4659]

I was searching for an e60 rebuild also. Top job m8. Really overhauled it propperly!

[@BadE30]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@17GoNz0]

Top man, this has given me the confidence boost to tackle my E60 rack after seeing the bag of seals you get...

[@BadE30]

Good to hear!

[@TimPreston-j8s]

I had stumbled across your video by accident. The simularities of the rack and pinion that you rebuilt, and mine (on a 2003 mercedes ML350) were amazingly close. Thanks for all the details and nice video shots.

[@josepeixoto3384]

All right,a nice useful video; mine is a 1997 318 TDS and it is leaking like a cif from the driver's side bellows ,lhs of car; only when wheel is turned to the right side; it will need the inner seal ,pinion side; if it was the other side i probably could do it in place without full disassembly...

[@BadE30]

Thanks man! Unfortunately sounds that way, the trickiest one to get to! Good luck with it

[@PyreneesBMW]

Thank you !!! Will rebuild my 330i rack with your help, subscribed!

[@BadE30]

Great to hear! Good luck with it dude

[@brianantoine3103]

I have so many questions because i want to do this for an e36 steering rack but i havent seen anyone disassembling an e36 rack. this is as close as it gets so thank you for the information so far.

[@BadE30]

From what people have discussed in the comments, they are the same. However I cannot confirm as I haven’t done it myself! IIRC, the ptfe seals are a slightly different design. But I may be wrong!

[@brianantoine3103]

@@BadE30 I was able to find an E36 repair... the title is Russian and there isnt any talking. The seals are slightly different as you stated so i still look at this video so that I can hear a voice. Also does the type of 6001 bearing matter? I bought a couple of them but they have the seal on it to cover the little slugs on the inside. Does that make a difference?

[@brianantoine3103]

@@BadE30 Also did you purchase the bearing @20:27? im struggling to get that one. Ive gotten the 6001 bearing.

[@BadE30]

@@brianantoine3103 apologies for the late reply, so the ‘6001’ designates the size, then there can be ‘2rs’ or ‘zz’ for different seals or shields. The bearing I removed had no seals so I replaced with the same. Unfortunately the other bearing you stated is no longer available and there are a few people including myself who have searched but no joy.

[@brianantoine3103]

@@BadE30 thank you for the reply... I understand your point with regard to the 6001 bearing. With respect to the other bearing, I've found some EU links but I live in the Caribbean so I'm not too sure... I can send them to you and maybe you can determine if it's legit?

[@joebeeston1995]

Very good video, I have a leaky spare sitting in the garage which I can now attack with confidence. Great find with the rebuild kit aswell by the way!

[@bardthomashesvik8295]

Hey Joe, You mention a rebuild kit. Can you please tell me where to buy these? THANKS!!

[@joeb1e30]

@@bardthomashesvik8295 details are in the video

[@PRAGEETHKARUNADHEERA]

Thanks for the great video! I did not see the pre-load adjustment. Did anyone see that?

[@erniepatai6644]

nice video great job!..it's obviously more involved then most would think. I'd consider myself quite mechanically inclined; you would need some creative tools to do this job and will take one much longer for those attempting this for the first time. I would rather just pay to have one rebuilt - warranty - then to take on this job. for the extra money it is definitely worth it. I've done one before with e30 and was a Pita..lol..

[@BadE30]

an understandable opinion! i am lucky having my own workspace with a decent range of tools and being a mechanical engineer as a day job! I'm sure a warranted item can be a good reason to purchase a rebuilt unit!

[@nr27_IP_M3.]

Great video. Thanks a million for posting this

[@BadE30]

Thanks! Hope it helps you out

[@Haider_Malik]

Fantastic video! I've got one fitted in my E46 M3, been meaning to rebuilt it. cheers fella

[@BadE30]

Go for it!

[@zenerii]

Struggling with the center seal also. Everything else seems easy enough. Gotta try to figure out something tomorrow. :D

[@BadE30]

Hope it went to plan!

[@zenerii]

Yep, got all seals out... Now I'm waiting for the repair kit to arrive.

[@chibadobaba-ali6075]

Beautiful. Well done man.

[@BadE30]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@ilmuhaq]

Good tutorial, my stering have pre play may be can turn position part. I take the good knowledge only. Thank you sir.

[@BadE30]

It could possibly be the universal joint bush just above the rack, attached to the steering column

Fantastic video, planning on doing this to one I acquired for swapping into my E36. How does it feel a couple of years later? Quality of the kit was suitable? Cheers

[@CamGchannel]

Thank you for this! I found a seal kit for my 712 Yellow tag rack. Last night I pulled everything apart and am stuck on the last seal in the middle, the one you said was difficult. Did you have to break it to come out or did it slide out eventually? Mine will not budge. Everything else came out just as you showed. Without your video I would not have had the confidence to tackle this. I had hard left steering and figured I would rebuild it myself before buying a remanufactured one for 5x the money. Still crossing my fingers that it all goes together well! haha

[@BadE30]

Glad to hear it’s been going well, the inside seal just takes patience, i used a kind of claw ended slide hammer to pull it out. Some people have pushed it out from the other end with the right sized socket! I spent ages trying to remove it with the wrong tooling, then as soon as I spent some time making up something for it, it came out super easy!

[@kamazmaster]

I kicked out my middle sealing and white guide bushing with a 22mm socket and punch it from the back with 1/2 extension and hammer. It came out unbroken, i think its evebn reusable :)

[@BadE30]

22mm socket seems to be the one! I tried all mine, none fit just right, but sounds like it works!

[@maveric8591]

which seal kit are you using for yellow tag?

[@josepeixoto3715]

@@BadE30 Long 1/4 " screwdriver, hammer it on the OD of the seal (mine here is a QHW 28-38-7 G F01 ZF 7852 033 108 ), twist the screwdriver hard , with a vise grip on it, to BEND and DEfORM the seal inwards, destroying it,of course,it's garbage, * then and only then* can you push it out easily from the other side; them b#ast#rds at bmw and at ZF!!!! they installed the seal in a blind hole with no kind of provision for removal!!!! avoid

[@thedownshiftchannel]

Good work as always

[@Maximilian0011]

real great and detail oriented vid, would you mind to make a vid rebuilding the rack of e39 please?

[@BadE30]

Hi, thanks for the kind comment. Unfortunately i do not have an e39 rack in my possession! If in the future I purchase an e39 and complete work I’ll sure do a video

[@arsenars1]

exelent job. thank you very much for detales. you halped me in my job. Maybe you know rod thickness. My is 26,0mm know. Is it standart ?

[@premiumxperiments6059]

Im almost certain this will give an idea for e36 too, i just took my e36 one off and looks identical from outside, idk about internal components tho.

[@BadE30]

From what I have heard they are the same! Some others have mentioned it in previous comments

[@clocker550]

Thanks so much for your well crated video you helped me enormously with my rebuild. Great job. Cheers!!!

[@BadE30]

Appreciate the kind words! Glad it helped

[@henkkka7784]

Absolutely stunning work! What are those pipes called in 18:15? I need to repair mine and cant find them anywhere..

[@lehelpapp-e3x]

Hello. The video is very good and useful. Could you help me with where you ordered the kit from? I also have a steering wheel with a purple plaque, only the rack on mine is 27 mm. Thanks in advance for your help.

[@BadE30]

Thanks! This is the kit I purchased: autoera.co.uk/index.php?productID=1202324 I cannot confirm my rack diameter as I can’t remember now! Was a while back now

[@amindaou5711]

To me This is most important part in car when it fails you hate your car

[@gabrielliga]

Hi, Many thanks for this video, everything very well organized and comprehensive. I've changed the engine of mine one after 525.000 km on it and someone did a mess when they try to reconnect the steering rack: on the right side there are two wholes where the pipes with fluid goes into and there I've got a leak: it looks they haven't put the right seal or joint. I bought the whole kit and when I dismantled the pipes I haven't found any joint. Do you know which ones are? Many thanks for your kind answer.

[@BadE30]

Sounds like a bad seal. It could be potentially due to the threads being damaged or even the joint? The kit doesn’t cover that part if I’m correct. Hope you can get it sorted!

[@christhestone]

Great video as always!

[@BadE30]

Thanks again!

[@seviik]

Please tell me whether the column attack shaft should be in a specific position in relation to the high pressure and return holes? And whether the strip protrudes the same amount of mm on both sides during installation. I want to have the steering gear turn correctly 👊 32:59 And this plastic, what sign should it be oriented on.

[@red420reaper]

Excuse my ignorance, are the teeth not submerged in fluid? This the reason for greasing? I just assumed the whole internals were submerged in atf.

[@BadE30]

They are sealed off from the fluid as it is highly pressurised and the seals in the rack area would not be able to hold it back

[@TheDonOrange]

So I have my rack ready but I need to buy the rest of the parts, were there any hardware needed to connect the E46 inner rods and the E36 outer rods to the rack? I am not sure if I need the crush washers that the E36 uses

[@yojay1]

Brilliant video! Many thanks

[@BadE30]

Appreciate the kind words!

[@Jmort93]

6:32 I would definitely recommend a line wrench for anyone who lives in a salted streets area of the world.

[@BadE30]

for sure!!

[@stevenlennon2751]

Hi mate.thanks for your videos,very informative I have decided to rebuild my e30 from scratch but I am worried about having a massive pile of parts that I have no idea where to put back.obvious you are way more knowligable than me.is the Bentley or Hayes full manual any help when it comes to rebuilding?or take pictures and notes?would really appreciate a reply Thanks.

[@BadE30]

Hi, glad you have enjoyed them! Haynes etc are very basic and more of a repair manual than a restoration manual. For me it’s best to initially watch videos/read forums, then take a lot of pictures of the process, noting anything important. Obviously now i video things so it’s very easy to go back to

[@TheNorthernmunky]

Insanely awesome 👏🏽

[@BadE30]

Thanks again dude!

[@jozeturk1106]

greattt video, really in depth explanation etc, I loved it mate. keep it up=)

[@BadE30]

Appreciate the kind words!!

[@dank8489]

Fabulous video, well done and thank you. Did you ever source a supplier for the bearing?

[@BadE30]

Thanks. Unfortunately not, had a couple others try too

[@acusticadisenoytecnologias960]

Hi Fantastic video i have a question for the E36 is the similar Job? Thanks

[@BadE30]

I’ve heard it is very similar, yes!

[@petercan1020]

Really great job You wouldn't happen to know if it would be similar in the E92 without electric steering

[@BadE30]

Unfortunately I don’t know, this rack is similar to the predecessors but maybe not the successors

[@riminise]

I dont have much knowledge but if i would do this, do i need a different steering wheel hub other than the one from the e30 then?

[@hpfza]

Thanks for the video mate! Is there a specific way/position to put the outer black plastic sleeve/dust cap on the pinion? You didn't mention anything about that and I couldn't really see in the video. Much love from South Africa.

[@BadE30]

I am certain it depends on where your steering column UJ sits, as when you have the wheel centered and the rack centered, it will align that way. I will not be using the tab part as my steering column UJ is not OEM.

[@hpfza]

@@BadE30 thanks I assembled it that way yesterday. I am 99% sure it is aligned right. If it's slightly out I'm sure it can be sorted with wheel alignment. Cheers!

[@gplusgplus2286]

What an excellent video!

[@BadE30]

Thank you😎

[@angelicolagi]

Hey how is this project going? We havent got news from you from a while. Great video i always check on it

[@BadE30]

I’m just editing a video now! Should be ready for tomorrow upload. My limited slip differential restoration!

[@brendenns3926]

I am having an extremely hard time sourcing a seal kit in my region, most places that are willing to help ask for the sizes of the seals.. Any chance you know the sizes of the seals /orings?

[@BadE30]

Hi! I don’t have the sizes off hand unfortunately, there is someone who has recently purchased a kit and has confirmed it. I’ll try find

[@brendenns3926]

@@BadE30 thank you, i would appreciate it VERY much!!

[@BadE30]

@@brendenns3926 ‘Just bought the EDELMANN 9046 kit from rockauto for my yellow - tag . Will report back if it fits ! Update : Got my EDELMANN 9046 kit from rockauto yesterday after some delays and can confirm that it will fit the zf rack , it has all the seals and the teflon seals have an rubber oring underneath like factory , perfect !’ This was the comment!

[@brendenns3926]

@@BadE30 thanks!

[@ajl0426]

I have bought a few reseal kits for BMW/ZF racks from this company on ebay US, they might have a kit that will work for yours and ship outside the US, www.ebay.com/usr/bestpartsonline10?_trksid=p2047675.m3561.l2559

[@anthonyrobins1077]

Excellent description, the question I have is when removing the vertical pinion shaft that has the 3 hydraulic valve seals on it, does it have to removed and then replaced in a specific relationship to the rack or can it be replaced in any circular position.

[@BadE30]

The black plastic part will need to go back on in the same position as to when your rack is centered. The pinion shaft should not need to be installed in the exact same position, you will be able to align the shaft once installed.

[@anthonyrobins1077]

Thankyou for the reply and confirmation of the splined shaft position relative to the rack. One other question, you greased up the large top bearing on the splined shaft before re-insertion but it looks from the pictures that this bearing is in the same cavity as the four circular valve seals, since the oil seal is below the large bearing will this not mix the regular greased bearing with the ATF running in the valve cavity or am I missing a point here, thank you again for your clarification??

[@BadE30]

@@anthonyrobins1077 the upper and lower ptfe seals are there to keep the fluid only for the two ports of the piping, so there will be no contamination there from the bearing grease!

[@anthonyrobins1077]

@@BadE30 - I have now purchased my purple tag rack and using your very useful video I have it fully dismantled on my bench, everything seems to be in very good condition including all the pressure seals which are still very tight, however, as a matter of precaution it would be nice to replace the 5 PTFE seals before I re-assemble. You mentioned in your procedure that you purchased the E36 seal kit but this was not suitable, do you know if the PTFE seals in that kit were the same dimension as those for the E46 rack, I could save some time and money by getting those online now

[@BadE30]

@@anthonyrobins1077 good work! The PTFE seals are a tricky thing to change. If you can inspect them to a high standard to check for damage during the removal, that should help you decide. I’m certain the 36 rack has the same seals as the 46 rack, I cannot confirm this

[@TopherHax]

I have a E46 ZHP rack which has play between the pinion and rack gear when on center. Is it possible to fix this by "rebuilding" it or once the teeth are worn that bad is it just time to replace the unit? I've tried increasing rack tension which fixes it on-center, but then causes it to bind in all other areas :(

[@BadE30]

When reading this I was going to mention adding tension, but I see you tried that. If the teeth are worn you’re in an unfortunate position where it will never be back to normal. Luckily these racks aren’t too crazy expensive, or they weren’t when I purchased mine many years ago!

[@vinceho8559]

Thank you!! I have been looking for this kind of guide since 3 years ago... I have the very same rack down to the tag number. what a coincidence.. back then there was no guide on this rack, so I gave up although i already bought the seal kit. I ended up getting rack from junkyard and now this rack is leaking too. Can you link me where to find the bearing puller tool?

[@BadE30]

Very good to hear!! I didn’t use a bearing puller on this, just simply a bolt that fit well! What is the time frame you mean?

[@vinceho8559]

@@BadE30 time frame 10:05-10:49, isn't that a bearing puller tool? I'm planning to buy, but I want to make sure the bearing puller spec first so I am getting the right one..

[@BadE30]

@@vinceho8559 oh yeh! Sorry I forgot about that.. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233552576623

[@BadE30]

@@vinceho8559 must say, it’s not the most solid tool in the world. But it is a seriously useful piece of kit when it comes to hard to reach bearings

[@vinceho8559]

@@BadE30 Thanks! I bought that exact puller tool and I could remove the bearing with ease. Sorry for the late reply. Somehow I didn't get notification of any new reply.

[@blaiserascal]

If anybody is looking for a rebuild kit - Corteco 13X044VS listed in the description is unavailable anywhere. It seems like AS 18457 from Auto Suppliers limited and CORTECO 15599811 might do the job. I guess it's the same kit under two different names, and it apparently contains the plastic part for the top

[@BadE30]

Thanks for this info!!

[@1hates2love5]

Does the rotary control valve assembly need to be installed a certain direction where the holes line up when the steering shaft being straight or does it not matter?

[@GaragE36uk]

Very good video, very informative..

[@md60100]

Nice video! How are the seals holding up after the rebuild? No leaks or other problems? Maybe I want to do a preventive rebuild myself, but I am not sure if this is the right thing to do. Or leave it as is

[@BadE30]

Thanks! I haven’t actually installed the rack yet as the car is not finished! I only did this as I had the time and everything else on the car is getting the same treatment. If you feel it isn’t necessary, then you should be ok to leave it! A good inspection would be handy

[@md60100]

@@BadE30 Thanks for the reply. Please give an update on YT or Instagram when your car is finished. Curious to see how the new seal kit will do. I will do a check for any leaks on my rack.

[@BadE30]

@@md60100 long way off yet, but there will be updates for sure

[@Rustynuts410]

Hi do you know what sizes these seals are as I need a set for a ZF rack on a different car that doesn't have any information available. The set you got are very similar looking to mine.

[@restorewithcal]

another great video!

[@mcycleserv]

just another question ..you have listed the lower pinion shaft brg 6001 .so what number is the top needle brg and also what number is the bearing that is no longer available ..I am in Bangkok and went to a car accessory area that has hundreds of auto places tools and parts..came across a bearing shop with millions of bearings so will take the numbers to see if they have them...oh gr8 video

[@mcycleserv]

found the top bearing F-22208801-4 www.alibaba.com/product-detail/F-208801-4-F-208801-20x30x7_60705754351.html give me the center pinion bearing size

[@mcycleserv]

also got the kit from lazada thailand and cheaper ...it is made in germany as OEM BMW Steering Rack Repair Kit For BMW E36 Brand FREUDENBERG-NOK

[@BadE30]

You beat me to it! That is the correct one, i spoke with many UK firms which couldn’t find one

[@BadE30]

The bottom bearing numbers are SKF BB1B 363215 B

[@mcycleserv]

@@BadE30 ok got it 24x37x6

[@MariusVideoTuts]

Nice work, very carefully serviced.

[@BadE30]

Thanks!

[@claytonbaker6426]

Mate thanks for this you're a star, what are the part numbers for them bearings?

[@BadE30]

Thanks man! the two larger bearings were both no longer available, I searched everywhere for them! They were in good condition mind, just thought i'd try swap them whilst I was there. I ended up cleaning and re packing them and they are good now.

[@claytonbaker6426]

@@BadE30 yeah it's been a nightmare trying to find that top one, I've ordered the lower bearing but could really do with the top, I have side to side play in my pinion, the bottom bearing is like yours, maybe I will just have to pack out the top one and hope for the best.

[@errolryan5467]

With the help of your video I rebuilt my E30 steering rack, I did everything right but the steering feels very stiff now, is it because the oil seals are new? (I also rebuilt the steering pump)

[@BadE30]

Is the steering stiff with the front wheels off the ground? Could be the steering pump problem

[@errolryan5467]

@@BadE30 I have not checked it wheels off the ground. I also think the issue is in the pump. Seems like there is not enough oil pressure. Is there a specific angle when reinstalling the rack pinion?

[@errolryan5467]

@@BadE30 I checked wheels off the ground and it doesn't feel stiff when wheels are off ground. When wheels off the ground I checked steering with engine running and also not running, there is no much difference.

[@stephenwhite5444]

Where did you get a rebuild kit for the e30 rack? I'm trying to keep my e30 stock and don't want to replace the rack, I want to rebuild it, but can't find a seal kit.

[@stephenwhite5444]

Did you figure out what was wrong? I need to rebuild an e30 rack. Where did you get the bearings from? I only found a seal kit that didn't have bearings.

[@userAlexVezos]

To install the final black plastic bit, do you install it whatever way you want?

[@BadE30]

I am certain it depends on where your steering column UJ sits, as when you have the wheel centered and the rack centered, it will align that way. I will not be using the tab part as my steering column UJ is not OEM.

[@sangcxl31]

Hi. Im in the midst of preparing to overhaul my volvo xc90 steering rack which also make by zf. Do you have any dimension for the seals that has been used?primarily the one that snugged inside the cylinder casing. Is it 28x38x7 mm?

[@BadE30]

Unfortunately not to hand anymore, the kit spec on the website is not very detailed either. Hopefully someone who has a kit to hand can help you with this!

[@sangcxl31]

@@BadE30 its ok. Thank you for the video!it gave me some light to perform the overhaul

[@michaelcarter5]

How common is the purple rack , what would be an upgrade from that ?

[@BadE30]

There are faster bmw racks however they can be much harder to come by, the purple tag is the best for availability

[@WilliamFu28]

Thanks

[@BadE30]

Hope it helped you out

[@bomanp]

Nice and well explained video! Just did mine with this one in the background, but when I tighten the last nut with the spring loaded part it makes my axle really hard to move, how tight do you pull it?

[@BadE30]

That is a locking type nut, so it requires a lower torque until the rack is tight

[@bomanp]

@@BadE30 okey thanks! But you haven't tried it yet? Got problems with air in my rack, thought the old tack was bad but the new one sounds exactly the same and won't get better when I tried to bleed.

[@norvanvartanian2793]

What is the best website I can get my kit soon as possible

[@BadE30]

autoera.co.uk/index.php?productID=1202324 This is where I purchased the kit from!

[@1hates2love5]

What size o-rings did you have to use for the lines that were too small??

[@BadE30]

Unfortunately can’t remember, I bought a spares kit and found the best fit

[@BlackFiredDragon]

I have a question I am desperate for an answer... I rebuilt mine, and after installing it, I started my car up, and the steering wheel is violently shaking back and forth! I am wondering if there is a particular orientation that the pinon has to be installed it something? Please advise!!

[@BadE30]

Hi man, did you remove the ptfe seals? As if there is a tear, it could be leaking through affecting your steering. Unfortunately I have not known of this issue

[@mcycleserv]

sorry to be a PITA ..noticed that you replaced the plastic universal joint locator on the pinion shaft .where did ya get it ..my kit does not have that

[@BadE30]

Don’t be sorry! Haha. I didn’t replace the plastic top part, simply just cleaned it up! If that’s what you mean.. I couldn’t find a replacement

[@mcycleserv]

@@BadE30 I have seen them in kits somewhere ..my E46 has been hacked before I bought it 7 years ago and have had to replace lots of parts and plastic bits that the PO must have used screwdriver to remove and a hammer to refit all..I recently replaces the steering uni and noticed that the uni was not properly located on that plastic aligner and the uni was only fitted half way on and the top ring was missing ..that is when I noticed the oil leak

[@BadE30]

Oh right! I have to chop the plastic locator off mine to work my e30 UJ. But mine is slightly damaged there so it’ll be nice to cut it off

[@mcycleserv]

just a question..are all the purple tag racks the same as far as the seals ..and have you the web site for the kit

[@BadE30]

E46 racks are the same for seals, doesn’t matter with the tag colour. Most other bmw racks are the same too, however I’ve found the e36 rack is not the same seals. autoera.co.uk/index.php?productID=1202324 this is where I got the kit from, however it’s showing out of stock.. but the kit is Corteco 13X044VS.

[@finlay230]

great vid !!!

[@BadE30]

Thanks!

[@bobamst331]

Where I can order that piston who pushing shaft to the pinon.?

[@sweetsuductress]

Thanks a lot for this video man. There really isn’t much info out there for rebuilding these. I plan on doing it on my old e39 rack as the one in the car now has developed some leaks (the old one had play and was changed about 5 years ago). I bought a kit from a Russian site on eBay. It was the last one left. I believe its also the corteco brand seals for my ZF rack which is similar to that e46 rack. Thanks for the tip about the boiling water for the teflon seals. Glad i watched this video tonight as i plan on doing the job tomorrow. Just one question, the black alignment plastic part on the pinion, what orientation does it have to go in and how do you know the center point of the rack.??? Tia.

[@BadE30]

That's exactly why I made the video! It took me a while to get all the info together to do it myself. With the black plastic part, I would centre the rack by measuring each end of the rack shaft then take a photo or note where the part is, so when you come back to the rebuild you can use the datums of the rack measurements. (this is something I didn't do but the e30 doesn't need the orientation part

[@sweetsuductress]

Thanks man. I started the rebuild today and should hopefully finish by tomorrow. I haven’t changed any seals yet but most of the parts are apart. I ran into two 1) stripped the heads of two of the 6mm allen heads on the pinion housing but was able to separate the rack with these two lines still attached. 2) the seal and bushing inside the rack is difficult to get out even though i have a socket that fits flush but i feel like i keep banging on solid metal when trying to dislodge. Ill try a screwdriver to just pry off the rubber seal and teflon bushing tomorrow. As for the black part, the rack was removed the car about four years ago so im hoping my mechanic kept it center and didn’t move the black plastic. I measured both ends and marked where the black part is situated on the splines and will put it back exactly as i found it. Cheers.

[@sweetsuductress]

Ok, i just rewatched the video and realise that you did not show the removal of the seal and bush in the centre of the rack. You did mention it though. By the way, my kit was made by transteco not corteco as I mentioned previously.

[@BadE30]

@@sweetsuductress Good work! Shame about the housing allen heads! I did have a long time on that internal seal, as the video said I went for a hook/slide hammer approach which once made correctly worked very easily! I spent too much time using the wrong tools..

[@sweetsuductress]

Ok i just finished up the rebuild this evening. Everything went smoothly except now i just realised that i forgot to grease up the bearing in the pinion but i don’t think it would be detrimental. I am definitely not going to open back up everything just to grease that bearing. I did have to carry it to a shop to remove the inner middle seal and bush. I definitely would not have gotten it off on my own as the outer one that was easily accessible was already difficult for me. I was only able to remove the white bush from that one and the shop had to remove the black seal too. So after all, the job was successful completed and thanks again for this video.

[@denguefever9489]

Didn't see you put the tension spring back on the plunger.

[@BadE30]

All the items went back on! I may of missed it and installed after filming

[@dhilankerai3585]

Where did you get the kit from? Can’t find it anywhere. If you’ve got a link let me know. Cheers

[@bardthomashesvik8295]

Can you please tell me where to get a repair kit for these ZF racks?

[@BadE30]

The kit i purchased is linked in the description, however it seems to be out of stock. If you look through the comments there is a Gates P/N!

[@racingstation]

Hi about 6001 Bearing need use C3 or only 6001 is ok?

[@BadE30]

I suggested using 6001 as that was removed from the rack. C3 bearings are used for expansion so I would not recommend

[@Atom_gun]

Hey man, will the kit you put in the description fit a stock standard rack for a e39/e46?

[@BadE30]

Hi, I’m going to say yes as the only difference in the rack is the pinion/rack mesh ratio. The sealing components should be the same

[@Atom_gun]

@@BadE30 awesome man, thanks for the quick reply and awesome video!

[@TimeisMoney22]

Awesome

[@TheAngaking]

Is this adjustable? Cause mine has a little play!

[@BadE30]

I don’t think they are, it may be the bearings that have play rather than the rack and pinion. There is a bottom locking nut holding the pinion shaft down, you could always check that it is tight!

[@errolryan5467]

Hi will it be the same procedure for an E30 steering rack? (Blue tag 1134 968.0)

[@BadE30]

Very similar! The internals are near identical by the sounds of it, some external differences. But the procedure is similar

[@errolryan5467]

@@BadE30 Thank you very much, I'm inspired and is about to rebuild my E30 steering rack.

[@BadE30]

@@errolryan5467 good luck with it! There’s some great info out there if you struggle

[@juancornetto8243]

I've just replaced the tie rod assemblies on my E39. There seems to be a lot of play in the pinion end of the rack. Is the piece shown at 4:55 the only thing that supports this end of the centre shaft?

[@BadE30]

Yes there is a seal carrier unit with the plastic bush. I’d say that the bush may be worn causing the play. You may be able to replace this without having to complete a full strip down!

[@juancornetto8243]

@@BadE30 Cheers dood. Much appreciated 😃

[@Andrewlone174]

No link for kit????

[@BadE30]

The kit I purchased has ran out stock and now taken off their website. There are links to alternative kits in the comments which others have had success with!

[@berndcassel2581]

Schon mal was von einer Segeringzange gehört?

[@jonallen761]

What grease do you recommend for the teeth? A google search returns about a dozen different answers...... Thank you so much for this one of a kind resource!

[@jonallen761]

Lucas Oil 10005 Red 'N' Tacky Grease Seems to be the most often mentioned..... but I've also seen lithium and wheel bearing grease mentioned.

[@BadE30]

Hi, thanks for the kind words! I used EP2 lithium grease as it’s what we use on the machines at my work (plasterboard plant). Understandably there is a ton of options, but it’s a well sealed unit that won’t see a crazy amount of abuse

[@jonallen761]

So just a public service announcement.... I was given this link by the Gates support line, who manufacturers these rebuild kits in the US after I purchased there kit for a zf-made rack that came off a mini cooper S (R53).... PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU CANT TAP THE PINION GEAR OUT as there is no access to the end...like in this rack. I wasn't able to figure out a way to get it out... all I can figure is a specialized puller has to be used. FYI....

[@BadE30]

@@jonallen761 this is correct on newer racks, my friend had this issue with a later x5 rack. He said with some persuasion it came out, then there is a bush at the bottom instead of a bearing

[@jonallen761]

@@BadE30 what sort of persuasion did your mate need? It seems (based on my Very limited experience) you have to pull the pinion gear out.. it seems to be pressed in.

[@ES-REDROT]

Can you use this same kit to build the yellow tag rack ?

[@BadE30]

Happy to say yes, if I’m right it’s just a different ratio lock-lock

[@JohanvanderMeulen1991]

Is the yellow zf the same?

[@BadE30]

Pretty certain so!

[@chadrizenbergs4850]

Where did you get that bearing puller?

[@BadE30]

Hi man! Here is one similar www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233552576623

[@denisnovacek8428]

how much does it cost to restore?

[@BadE30]

The kit and bearings were around £50 If I remember right

[@martinaddai5718]

Can you help me get the correct repair kit?

[@BadE30]

A lot of good info in the comments to the video!

[@esambelead1710]

Please help! My rack is draining hydrulic fluid from the driver side seal Can i change it without taking out the whole rack? I couldn't see in your video if you changed the left seal.

[@BadE30]

I’m assuming you’re LHD? The drivers side of the rack doesn’t have a seal as it’s where the ra and pinion meet, the fluid side is the none drivers side. You may be getting leakage from the pinion shaft, down through the ptfe seals, or from the central seal in the rack body. I’d suggest a removal. Tricky to say!

[@esambelead1710]

@@BadE30 thank u man

[@BadE30]

Maybe to confirm you have hydraulic fluid where the pitch of the rack and pinion meet, you could remove the 22mm nut underneath the rack when the pinion shaft ends (1:57). If the fluid is in there, then it'll require removal I'd say.

[@josepeixoto3715]

Yes,whole rack out ( if you drive on the right (RHS) of the road) ; of course there is a seal on EACH side of the rack,so,two seals, how else could it be!! ; plus another seal, the center "piston" teflon ring, this is the one that moves side to side; i am doing one now,and what i still don't know is how to remove that LHS seal; i drive on the RHS of the road (i do not know what is LH drive nor RH drive, those 2 lead to the mother of confusions lol).

[@Johnathan_Waters]

What kind of GREASE was used??

[@BadE30]

Generic ep2 lithium grease, won’t be a problem with temp etc

[@Johnathan_Waters]

@@BadE30 I am asking, because I added some grease to the factory grease in my ZF steering rack (even though I KNEW better than to mix unknown greases) and they reacted, causing my steering rack to start leaking from EVERY single seal within 1k miles. The grease turned into a caustic, abrasive horrible mess that had to be all cleaned out, and the whole rack rebuilt.

[@LochyP]

Great video. Convinced me that DIYing this is a terrible idea and I should just pay someone else LOL

[@BadE30]

Haha!

[@fastlanenigeria]

Americans: Anything from outside America = sketchy.

[@stephenwhite5444]

What are you talking about? He isn't American lol.....he wasn't saying the site was sketchy because of where it was located but rather the site didn't look professional. Americans buy from all over the world. The reason buying outside the US is sketchy is because we have very limited recourse if someone screws you over.

[@xz9592]

So we're just going to ignore the use of a metal file as a grease applicator?! Do you have ANY idea what kind of an example you're setting for impressionable kids out there? My God, man!

[@RaPeRuLe]

Work on e39?

[@BadE30]

I know this is similar with bmw’s around this era, so i can’t confirm it but would expect it work

[@bardthomashesvik8295]

Found it in the description.... Lame me...!

[@BadE30]

I was just about to send you that comment!

[@ukjt89]

where did you get your grease and gloves from?

[@BadE30]

From my sponsor for this video