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View Full Version : stering rack issue; need input from the experts


Bimmernut2
07-11-2014, 11:31 AM
Good afternoon guys from WNC.....I have an issue with my '05 330cic auto w/40k concerning the steering rack. It has a "popping" noise when the steering ,wheel is turned to the "right" at about the 2 O'clock position. Today I took it to my local BMW Tech. (who's is a certified BMW tech) & has his own shop. We put it up on the lift & after much prying & bumping ALL suspension parts, determined the noise was coming from the rack & pinion. We removed the bottom inspection nut & the bottom bearings look good & you can't see anything when turned from end to end. We think it's coming from the bearing(s) on the top side. There doesn't seem to be any adjustment "screw" that we can see from the bottom. We pulled the boot off on the drivers side & could not see any bad places (teeth) on the rack. Otherwise the rack looks brand new. With it up on the lift & no weight on the tires/wheels, I can turn the drivers side wheel to the right side & just after I pass a little way past center, there's a "pop" noise that you can hear & feel in the wheel & hear very clearly with a shop stethoscope. He said that he has rebuilt one many years ago but remembered it as very difficult. He doesn't think that this will be a catastrophic failure but will become an issue.
I remember seeing something on the web about having the racks rebuilt. Anyone have that link? I couldn't find it on this site but will keep searching. The part No on the rack is 7852 974 712 Having trouble up loading a pic but try again later. Does the ZHP have a "special" rack? Can they be rebuilt? send off or do it on the bench?

Thanks...
LivesNearCostco
07-11-2014, 07:06 PM
I heard of a place called the Rack Doctor. They either rebuilt BMW steering racks or it was a plastic surgeon in Southern California, don't quite remember. Try this web site, but don't blame me if you see pictures of NSFW boobies!
http://shop.rackdoctor.net/330-SERIES_c76.htm
Newjack
07-11-2014, 09:33 PM
I heard of a place called the Rack Doctor. They either rebuilt BMW steering racks or it was a plastic surgeon in Southern California, don't quite remember. Try this web site, but don't blame me if you see pictures of NSFW boobies!
http://shop.rackdoctor.net/330-SERIES_c76.htm

Clicked for boobies.


No boobies.


Nice racks though for a good price.
llll1l1ll
07-21-2014, 02:13 PM
I would not go rebuild option and instead just buy refurbished/rebuilt. It'll probably cost the same and save you another headache in the future.
wsmeyer
07-21-2014, 02:19 PM
Just make sure you get a ZHP rack. Lot's of info here:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1654735-330i-ZHP-rack-installed
hardrivn
07-21-2014, 02:52 PM
I used rackdoctor for my E30 M3, he didn't have the right one in stock but was able to do a complete rebuild of my own in less than 3 days, he is awesome and saved me over $1000. Very professional very quick, includes boots and upper tie rods. Great work, pressure tests and verifies everything, even sent me photos of where he found the damage, and where he smoothed out the pits by polishing it. Those were the reason my seals went.
Bimmernut2
07-21-2014, 06:41 PM
The Rack Doctor is pretty good shop. I talked to Rich about my "sound/knocking" & he thinks it's something else than the rack. Very good guy. I would highly recommend.
I'll try replacing the steering flex coupler 1st & see what that does.