Power Rack & Pinion - e36 BMW Z3 E36

IDENTIFICATION

1991-2002 Chassis & Engine Identification

DESCRIPTION

E36 vehicles are equipped with rack and pinion steering. They are equipped with either a ZF or a LuK/Vickers vane power steering pump.

Some vehicles are equipped with quick-release couplings on hydraulic lines. For use of these lines see HYDRAULIC LINE WITH QUICK-RELEASE COUPLING under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

CAPACITY

Fluid capacity is 1.3 qts. (1.2L).

FLUID TYPE

Note. The mixing of CHF, LHM, and ATF is not permitted.

Regular oil changing is not necessary. However, it is recommended to replace the oil after completion of repairs.

Use Dexron-III ATF type fluid. Areas with very low outside temperatures (e.g. Canada) are filled at the factory with Pentosin CHF 11S. These cars are marked with a pertinent label located close to the oil tank. In case of brief hydraulic noise after starting at low outside temperatures, replace the red ATF with green CHF or LHM oil in Shell LHM, Castrol LHM or Exxon LHM.

BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM

1. Turn off engine and fill oil tank until level reaches "MAX" mark on dipstick.
2. Start engine. Turn steering wheel twice each as far as left and right lock.
3. Turn off engine and top off hydraulic fluid again to "MAX".

ADJUSTING FRONT AXLE (WITH KDS)

1. Adjust toe and toe-difference angle. Set steering gear to straight ahead position. Marking on case and steering shaft must be aligned. (Scheme 1)
2. Loosen nut on tie rod. Adjust wheel toe-in by rotating steering tie rod. (Scheme 2) For toe-in specifications, see «SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/wheel-alignment/#specifications-procedures) article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.
3. Ensure that ball joint is not twisted. Tighten tie rod clamping nut to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__torque-specifications).

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

CHECKING FOR DAMAGE & WEAR

Check steering sleeves, flexible disk and axle and tie rod sleeves for damage (e.g. cracks, holes) for leaks or missing clamping bands on gaiters.

CHECKING FOR LEAKS

Check all visible connections, hoses, lines and steering gear for traces of fluid. (Scheme 3)

Scheme 3

Steering Wheel

Move steering wheel back and forth and check for zero clearance.

Tie Rod Joint

There must be no clearance between tie rod arm (2) and tie rod joint (1). (Scheme 4)

Scheme 4

CHECKING FUNCTION OF POWER STEERING PUMP

Checking Vane Pump

1. Detach pressure line from pump and connect special tool (32 4 000). See «USING SPECIAL TOOL (32 4 000)»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__using-special-tool-32-4-000).
2. Close valve (A) and open valve (B). (Scheme 5)
3. Start engine. Ensure correct hydraulic fluid level in tank.
4. Heat hydraulic fluid to approximately 122°F (50°C) by moving steering wheel at increased engine speed.
5. Close valve (B) for a maximum 10 seconds and read off pressure. If pressure exceeds 1595 psi (110-120 bar) by more than 10 percent replace vane pump. If pressure is 10 percent less than 1595 psi 1595 psi (110-120 bar), check V belt tension. If V belt tension is OK, replace vane pump.

Scheme 5

Power Steering Test

1. Open valve (B) and close valve (A). Start engine.
2. Pull steering wheel against left lock with 22.5 Lbs. (100 N) force with special tool (64 1 100) for approximately 5 seconds and read off pressure. (Scheme 6)
3. Repeat with steering wheel against right lock. The steering gear must be replaced if the pressures are below the previously determined pump pressure.
4. After removing special tool (32 4 000), replace sealing rings on hollow bolts and connect pressure line. Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__torque-specifications).

Scheme 6

USING SPECIAL TOOL (32 4 000)

Note. Depending on the pressure hose connection on the pump, the special tool (32 4 000) must be assembled. (Scheme 7)

Pressure Hose Connection To Pump With 14 x 1.5 mm Banjo Bolt

1. Screw special tool (32 4 004) with 14 x 1.5 mm banjo bolt (1) and 2 sealing rings to special tool (32 4 000). (Scheme 8)
2. Screw special tool (32 4 011) onto pump and connect special tool (32 4 004).
3. Screw special tools (32 4 006/012) onto special tool (32 4 000) and connect pressure hose with 14 x 1.5 mm banjo bolts and 2 sealing rings.

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

Pressure Hose Connection To Pump With 16 x 1.5 mm Banjo Bolt

1. Screw special tool (32 4 004) with 14 x 1.5 mm banjo bolt (1) and 2 sealing rings to special tool (32 4 000). (Scheme 9)
2. Screw special tool (32 4 005) onto pump and connect special tool (32 4 004).
3. Screw special tools (32 4 006) onto special tool (32 4 000) and connect pressure hose with 16 x 1.5 mm banjo bolts and 2 sealing rings.

Scheme 9

Pressure Hose Connection To Pump With 16 x 1.5 mm Union Screw

1. Screw special tool (32 4 004) with 14 x 1.5 mm banjo bolt (1) and 2 sealing rings to special tool (32 4 000). (Scheme 10)
2. Connect special tool (32 4 004) to pump.
3. Screw special tools (32 4 006/005) onto special tool (32 4 000) and connect pressure hose.

Scheme 10

Removal & Installation of Quick-Release Coupling with ID Marking

1. Push quick-release coupling (1) against pipe (4) thereby relieving strain on spring (2). Press plastic ring (3) into quick-release coupling (1) and remove coupling (1). (Scheme 11)
2. To install, markings (K) on coupling and pipe (4) must be flush. Push quick-release coupling (1) onto pipe (4) until a "click" can be heard. To check that quick-release coupling has been installed correctly, pull it back forcefully.

Scheme 11

Removal & Installation of Quick-Release Coupling with Indication Pins

1. Press plastic ring (2) into quick-release coupling (1) and remove coupling (1). (Scheme 12)
2. To install, push quick-release coupling (1) onto connector (3) until both indication pins (4) can be seen and felt to point outwards at outside diameter of housing. To check that quick-release coupling (1) has been correctly fitted, feel indication pins (4) at outside diameter of housing. When correctly seated, indication pins (4) cannot be pressed into housing.

Scheme 12

POWER STEERING COOLING LOOP (Z3)

Note. Observe all waste disposal regulations.

Removal & Installation

1. Draw hydraulic fluid out of tank and do not re-use.
2. Remove cover on radiator at bottom. Release both hose clamps on cooling loop and detach hoses. Remove cooling loop from front panel. (Scheme 13)
3. To install, reverse removal procedure. Bleed power steering system. See «BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__bleeding-power-steering-system) under LUBRICATION.

Scheme 13

Removal

Note. Observe all waste disposal regulations.

1. Draw hydraulic fluid out of tank and do not re-use.
2. Remove front wheels.
3. Remove steering wheel. See appropriate STEERING COLUMN article.
4. Remove left and right tie rod with special tool (32 2 070). (Scheme 14)
5. Disconnect hose on tank. (Scheme 15)
6. Unscrew hollow union bolt. (Scheme 16)
7. Remove bolt and separate universal joint from steering gear. (Scheme 17)
8. Unscrew bolts and take off steering gear in forward direction. (Scheme 18)

Scheme 14

Scheme 15

Scheme 16

Scheme 17

Scheme 18

Installation

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Replace self-locking nuts and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__torque-specifications).
2. Note position of steering spindle. (Scheme 17)
3. Replace sealing rings. Install line with rubber grommet in bracket. Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__torque-specifications).
4. Install tie rod. Replace self-locking nuts and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__torque-specifications).
5. Bleed power steering system. See «BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__bleeding-power-steering-system) under LUBRICATION.
6. If the steering gear is replaced, adjust the front axle after installation. See «ADJUSTING FRONT AXLE (WITH KDS)»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__adjusting-front-axle-with-kds) under ADJUSTMENTS.

POWER STEERING VANE PUMP (M52/M54 ENGINE)

Note. Observe all waste disposal regulations.

1. Draw hydraulic fluid out of tank. Do not re-use.
2. Remove engine underguard.
3. Remove drive belt.
4. Disconnect suction and pressure lines from pump.
5. Unfasten screws and remove pump. (Scheme 19)
6. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten suction and pressure lines to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__torque-specifications).
7. Fill hydraulic system. See «BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__bleeding-power-steering-system) under LUBRICATION.

Scheme 19

1. Remove front wheels.
2. Remove steering wheel. See appropriate STEERING COLUMNS article.
3. Remove left and right tie rod with special tool (32 2 070). (Scheme 14)
4. Remove clamping screw and pull universal joint off steering gear. (Scheme 17)
5. Unscrew bolts and take off steering gear in forward direction. (Scheme 20)

Scheme 20

1. To install, reverse removal procedure. Replace self-locking nuts and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__torque-specifications).
2. Set steering gear to straight ahead position (marking on case). Turn steering spindle until bolt (1) of upper universal joint is vertical. Place lower universal joint on steering gear. Bolt must be located in groove of steering gear spindle. (Scheme 21) Replace self-locking nut and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__torque-specifications).
3. Replace self-locking nuts on tie rod and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__torque-specifications).
4. After assembly, align front axle. See «SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/wheel-alignment/#specifications-procedures) article in WHEEL ALIGNMENT.

Scheme 21

STEERING GEAR BELLOWS

1. On vehicles with steering damper, unbend lockplate with pliers (never with hammer) in order to avoid damaging rack and bearing. Insert rack as far as possible. Unscrew tie rod using special tool (32 2 110). (Scheme 22)
2. On vehicles with steering damper, remove damper holder. Loosen both clamping straps and remove sleeve.
3. On vehicles without steering damper, loosen clamping straps and pull off bellows. (Scheme 23)
4. On vehicles without steering damper, unbend lockplate with pliers (never with hammer) in order to avoid damaging rack and bearing. Insert rack as far as possible. Unscrew tie rod using special tool (32 2 110). (Scheme 24)

Scheme 22

Scheme 23

Scheme 24

1. On vehicles with steering damper, mount new sleeve with new clamping straps. Replace lockplate. Turning lock (1) must engage in groove (2) of damper holder. (Scheme 25) Bend lockplate with pliers and tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__torque-specifications).
2. On vehicles without steering damper, replace lockplate (A or B). If lockplate (B) (with spacer to limit steering angle) is installed, new lockplate must also be fitted with a spacer. (Scheme 26)
3. On vehicles without steering damper, turning lock (1) must engage in groove (2) of rack. (Scheme 27) Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__torque-specifications).
4. On vehicles without steering damper, bend lockplate with pliers.

Scheme 25

Scheme 26

Scheme 27

POWER STEERING GEAR

Disassembly

1. Remove power steering gear. See «POWER STEERING GEAR»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__power-steering-gear) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
2. Remove tie rods. See appropriate FRONT article in SUSPENSION.
3. Remove leakage oil line. Remove pressure lines and remove O-rings from threaded bores or from lines. (Scheme 28)
4. Mark position of adjusting screw (1) relative to case with peening marks. Determine installation depth of adjusting screw (1) in case with a depth gauge and note down the result. Loosen adjusting screw (1). Remove spring (2), O-ring (3) and pressure piece (4). (Scheme 29)
5. Unscrew and remove screw cap. (Scheme 30)
6. Center steering gear by halving total number of turns. In this setting marks on steering spindle, cap and case all match. Add marks if necessary.
7. Determine dimension (A) of rack with a depth gauge and note down result. This measurement is required for checking during installation. (Scheme 31)
8. Remove protective cap (1) from steering spindle. Unfasten nut. Brace against square nut on steering spindle. (Scheme 32)
9. Remove circlip. Withdraw steering spindle from case. (Scheme 33)
10. Remove bearing bush (1). (Scheme 34)
11. Drive radial shaft seal (2) and bearing (3) out of bearing bush (1) with special tool (32 1 140/250). (Scheme 35)
12. Remove connection for leakage oil line. (Scheme 36)
13. Insert retaining ring through bore in leakage oil line and remove from case. (Scheme 37)
14. Pull rack and bearing bush (1) out of pipe. (Scheme 38)
15. Drive radial shaft out of bearing bush (1) with special tool (32 1 140) and (33 3 331). (Scheme 39)
16. Drive radial shaft seal out of pipe with special tool (32 1 140/210). (Scheme 40)
17. Carefully drive bearing out of steering spindle housing with a punch. This improves access to radial shaft seal. (Scheme 41)
18. Carefully drive radial shaft seal (1) out of steering spindle housing with a punch. Do not damage polished cylinder bore. (Scheme 42)
19. Thoroughly clean all parts. Coat new seals with hydraulic fluid and fill radial shaft seals between edge and sealing lip with grease.

Scheme 28

Scheme 29

Scheme 30

Scheme 31

Scheme 32

Scheme 33

Scheme 34

Scheme 35

Scheme 36

Scheme 37

Scheme 38

Scheme 39

Scheme 40

Scheme 41

Scheme 42

Assembly

1. Replace O-ring (1). Insert plastic bush (2) and thrust shim (3) in bearing sleeve. Insert radial shaft seal (4). (Scheme 43)
2. Drive new radial shaft seal (4) firmly home in bearing bush. The open side should be facing special tool (32 1 140/220). (Scheme 44)
3. Insert plastic bush (1) and thrust shim (2) in pipe. Drive new radial shaft seal (3) firmly home in pipe. The open side should be facing special tool (32 1 140/220). (Scheme 45)
4. Grease bearings and drive firmly home in steering spindle housing with special tool (32 1 140/120). (Scheme 46)
5. Drive new radial shaft seal firmly home in steering spindle housing. The open side should be facing special tool (32 1 140/230). (Scheme 47)
6. Replace O-ring (1) and piston ring (2). (Scheme 48)
7. Carefully insert rack in pipe to avoid damage to the internal radial shaft seal by the spline and the piston race (2). Fit bearing bush to rack and slide into pipe. (Scheme 49)
8. Fit circlip with open side opposite to leakage oil bore. (Scheme 50)
9. Replace piston rings (1) and O-rings (2) beneath them. (Scheme 51)
10. Insert new radial shaft seal (3), open side upwards, in bearing bush (1) and drive firmly home with special tool (32 1 140/240/250. Replace O-ring (2). (Scheme 52)
11. Drive bearing (2) firmly home, lettering upwards, into bearing bush (1) with special tool (32 1 140/240/250). (Scheme 53)
12. Slide bearing bush (1), radial shaft seal outermost, onto the steering spindle. (Scheme 34)
13. Grease rack and pinion. Pull out rack to recorded dimension (A). Carefully insert steering spindle into case and install retaining ring. Check that marks are aligned. (Scheme 54)
14. Push on protective cap in this position, whereby marking of housing, steering spindle and protective cap must align. (Scheme 55)
15. Replace self-locking nut. (Scheme 32) Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__torque-specifications).
16. Install screw cap. (Scheme 30) Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__torque-specifications). Secure by peening.
17. Insert foil insert (1) and replace O-ring (2). (Scheme 56)
18. Grease and install pressure piece (4), spring (2) and O-ring (3). Tighten adjusting screw (1) down to determine screw-in depth and align all the marks. Secure adjusting screw by peening. (Scheme 29)
19. Fit connections for leakage oil line. Fit leakage oil line and attach pressure lines with new O-rings. (Scheme 57) Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__torque-specifications).
20. Install tie rods. See appropriate FRONT article in SUSPENSION.
21. Install power steering gear. See «POWER STEERING GEAR»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__power-steering-gear) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.

Scheme 43

Scheme 44

Scheme 45

Scheme 46

Scheme 47

Scheme 48

Scheme 49

Scheme 50

Scheme 51

Scheme 52

Scheme 53

Scheme 54

Scheme 55

Scheme 56

Scheme 57

VANE PUMP (LUK/VICKERS)

1. Remove pump. On M52 and M54 engines see «POWER STEERING VANE PUMP (M52/M54 ENGINE)»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__power-steering-vane-pump-m52m54-engine) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. On other engines, procedure is not available from manufacturer.
2. Clamp pump in vise with pulley flange. Mark components relative to one another. (Scheme 58)
3. Unfasten screws. Remove case half (3) with spring (6) and valve spool (7). (Scheme 59)
4. Remove pressure plate (8) with rotor ring (9) and cylinder pins (10). (Scheme 60)
5. Unclip retaining ring (11). Remove vane blades (12) and O-ring (13). (Scheme 61)
6. Remove rotor (14) and pressure plate (15). (Scheme 62)
7. Remove front case section from the shaft. Pry out radial shaft seal (16). (Scheme 63)
8. Thoroughly clean all parts.

Scheme 58

Scheme 59

Scheme 60

Scheme 61

Scheme 62

Scheme 63

1. Coat new O-rings with hydraulic fluid prior to installation.
2. Fill new radial shaft between dust and sealing lip with grease. Drive radial shaft seal (16) firmly home in case section (open side facing inwards) with special tool (32 1 140/240). (Scheme 64)
3. Fit bracket (5) and case section (4) on shaft. Clamp pulley flange in vise. (Scheme 65)
4. Install new O-rings (13 & 17). (Scheme 66)
5. Install pressure plate (15) with groove facing upwards and cylindrical pins (10). (Scheme 67)
6. Fit rotor (14) to shaft and install new retaining ring (11). Install all blades (12) with rounded side facing outwards. Check that impeller moves easily. (Scheme 68)
7. Fit rotor ring (9) and pressure plate (8) to cylindrical pins (10). (Scheme 69)
8. Install new O-rings (18). (Scheme 70)
9. Fit valve piston (7) and spring (6) and join together the case sections. Note installation location of bore (B). (Scheme 71)
10. Fit washers (S). (Scheme 72) Tighten screws to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__torque-specifications).
11. Install vane pump. On M52 and M54 engines see «POWER STEERING VANE PUMP (M52/M54 ENGINE)»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__power-steering-vane-pump-m52m54-engine) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. On other engines, procedure is not available from manufacturer.

Scheme 64

Scheme 65

Scheme 66

Scheme 67

Scheme 68

Scheme 69

Scheme 70

Scheme 71

Scheme 72

VANE PUMP (ZF)

1. Remove pump. On M52 and M54 engines see «POWER STEERING VANE PUMP (M52/M54 ENGINE)»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__power-steering-vane-pump-m52m54-engine) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. On other engines, procedure is not available from manufacturer.
2. Remove pulley.
3. Mark bracket on pump housing. Unscrew bolts and take off body. (Scheme 73)
4. Remove face plate (3). (Scheme 74)
5. Press rotor (4) on shaft (5) in downward direction. Remove circlip (6) and pull shaft out of body. Remove rotor (4). (Scheme 75)
6. Clean all parts thoroughly.

Scheme 73

Scheme 74

Scheme 75

1. Coat new O-rings with hydraulic fluid prior to installation.
2. Replace radial sealing ring (7), install with sealing lip facing inwards and fill space between sealing and dust lips with grease. (Scheme 76)
3. Guide shaft (5) into body. Insert rotor (4) with recess for circlip facing upwards and install circlip (6) in radial groove of shaft. (Scheme 77)
4. Install impeller with polished, rounded off outside surfaces facing cam ring. Check that impeller moves easily. (Scheme 78)
5. Place sealing ring (8), wide side facing downwards, and guide (9) in face plate (3). (Scheme 79)
6. Position face plate (3) on dowel pins. Replace O-ring (10). (Scheme 80)
7. Mount body, watching position of bores, and bolt on holder. (Scheme 81) Tighten to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__torque-specifications).
8. Install vane pump. On M52 and M54 engines see «POWER STEERING VANE PUMP (M52/M54 ENGINE)»(/bmw/z3/e36-1995-2000/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-rack-pinion-e36__power-steering-vane-pump-m52m54-engine) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. On other engines, procedure is not available from manufacturer.

Scheme 76

Scheme 77

Scheme 78

Scheme 79

Scheme 80

Scheme 81

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

Scheme 82

Scheme 83

Scheme 84

Scheme 85

Scheme 86

Scheme 87

Scheme 88

Scheme 89

Scheme 90

Scheme 91

Scheme 92

Scheme 93

See also:
• SPECIFICATIONS & PROCEDURES
• HYDRAULIC LINE WITH QUICK-RELEASE COUPLING
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS
• USING SPECIAL TOOL (32 4 000)
• BLEEDING POWER STEERING SYSTEM
• ADJUSTING FRONT AXLE (WITH KDS)
• POWER STEERING GEAR
• POWER STEERING VANE PUMP (M52/M54 ENGINE)