ClassE 1989 325IS Build Thread

[Earl]

Snap said:

E36/Z3 does not use lock plates. 

I just used blue loctite on my Z3 rack and have had zero problems with it.

Ask anyone about what a sane and gentle driver I am and you will take comfort in knowing its kosher

My compact uses them 

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CG53&mospid=47505&btnr=32_0630&hg=32&fg=25

It also looks like other e36's use them

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=BG13&mospid=47485&btnr=32_0630&hg=32&fg=25

[B C]

None on the Z3 though

[http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CJ33&mospid=48094&btnr=32\_0630&hg=32&fg=25

I](http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=CJ33&mospid=48094&btnr=32_0630&hg=32&fg=25) am using E30 tie rods with the Z3 rack, there is nothing special about the Z3 rack that would aid in tie-rod retention. 

The primary reason for the lock plate from my own observation is to keep the inner tie rod from loosening during an alignment. 

But take what I say as typical forum hearsay, I was not present in the ZF steering rack design meetings to be able to know the exact reasons why. 

Im not from here.

[Earl]

lol I wasn't ripping on you Snap=) I trust your word over most things

[B C]

Oh I know, no rustlin over here. 

I want to make sure I am not feeding bad information so I do my best to backup what I say when there may be question

[andyhundley]

Earl and snap are going to fight to the death Saturday morning!

[B C]

things get tense when your project isnt finished.

[ClassE]

"Snap said..."

[jc43089]

Just to throw in my 2 cents, my 2/94 e36 steering rack has lock plates.  If you are going with just loctite, make sure you get the threads clean with brakeclean or something so that the loctite actually works.

[ClassE]

So replacement inner tie rod ends are "fatter", so not enough overhang to bend washer flanges down.... Nice.

[jc43089]

Eh, just giver!

[ClassE]

Blue loctite and DUN... Taking to work tomorrow as a test run for Saturday... Kinda worried still about the quasi-whine thing from rear.

[ClassE]

Well... Might not make GTG now on Saturday.

Broke upper bearing spring seat on coils, having pieces brought to machine shop tomorrow to hopefully remake. Long story - to angry and tired to elaborate... So pics and info tomorrow.

[ClassE]

Well - three emails back and forth to Igor already tonight (he must be up late - it's friggen 11:15pm). Bedtime - tired and sad.

[Earl]

=/ It seems to be a super simple piece so getting it machined today shouldn't be impossible. This does sucks though=(

[ClassE]

Yeah, I don't think it'll be a big deal. I'm more upset I'll have zero wheel time to troubleshoot any issues before hoping on a highway tomorrow AM. We're having both sets of parents over tomorrow night for a birthday dinner for my mom - so can't get wrenching until after that...

If it wasn't for the last minute - nothing would ever get done.

[B C]

Im in the same boat as far as driving an un-proven setup an uncomfortable distance from home. Luckily you are NA  and luckily its not too far from my house.

[wasnt m3]

If it makes it around the block, it'll make it around the world.

[jc43089]

AAA FTW, speaking of unproven cars.  I am taking my family to Alabama next week in the vert which has less than 500 miles on the swap and a bunch of other work.  Living on the edge!

[ClassE]

162 miles on the car Saturday.... Drive quite well.

Steering rack has some play in it, just enough to vibrate the steering wheel and be annoying, so putting that on my short list of stuff to do before Scooters.

Current list to accomplish before Scooters:

-Paint/Replace exterior trim pieces (vents under windshield, etc...)

-Get windshield replaced

- Install stereo system (replace deck, get sub/amp in, etc...)

-Tear apart engine bay and paint/coat/remove/replace so it's more gooder looking.

Also promised my wife I'd get re-started on finishing our basement.... So gonna be some long nights and weekends this month again!

[B C]

If the steering rack has slop in it and it is not related to tie-rods, loose mounting hardware, loose steering shaft collar nut (airbag cars only) or worn steering coupler, then you could try adjusting the gear lash in the rack by tightening the 22mm screw on the bottom of the steering shaft housing. Something to try before going for a whole new rack