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sKilled
03-28-2006, 07:57 AM
My steering box is going. Now before you get mad - I did search the forum but found nothing of use. I wish to rebuild the power steering box because I am a tightwad. Where can I get a rebuild kit? More importantly, is it worth it me doing it, or should I let a pro at it? Thanks in advance guys:)
632 Regal
03-28-2006, 08:48 AM
once they are worn their pretty much scrap, a rebuild wont help. Get a decent used one from a lower mileage car?
Rob
03-28-2006, 08:50 AM
Listen to, Jeff. ;) (632 Regal)

Just replace it as he said, rebuilding it won't really help matter and you're wallet either.
Alexlind123
03-28-2006, 09:23 AM
Get a new or low mileage used one and install it yourself.
sKilled
03-28-2006, 10:11 AM
Get a new or low mileage used one and install it yourself.

Aren't they something like $1500 US new?
Qube
03-28-2006, 10:40 AM
My steering box is going. Now before you get mad - I did search the forum but found nothing of use. I wish to rebuild the power steering box because I am a tightwad. Where can I get a rebuild kit? More importantly, is it worth it me doing it, or should I let a pro at it? Thanks in advance guys:)

Can we define... 'going', just so I understand? :)
Tiger
03-28-2006, 10:41 AM
yep... Autozone has for $500 rebuilt.
Tiger
03-28-2006, 10:45 AM
Ebay $99 for used with Lifetime warranty... some other has for $199... search for "bmw steering gear*"

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Steering-Gear-Rack-1991-to-1993-BMW-525i_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33589QQitemZ804341 0797QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
DanH
03-28-2006, 12:24 PM
How do you know it is the steering box? Have you tried adjusting the screw on the top of the box?

Here is the basic procedure:

Loosen the collar nut around the screw.
Tighten the inner screw a few turns.
Tighten the collar nut down and see if it improves anything.
Repeat adjustment as necessary.

Your problem could also be with any of the following if they haven't been replaced already: tie rod ends, idler arm bushing, center link ball joints, or a loose pitman arm.
sKilled
03-28-2006, 07:10 PM
Went to my girlfriends uncle last night for dinner, and he's got a friend who lives just down the road. This guy has been working on BMWs for about 12 years. He wiggled it here and there, gave this and that a shake and said that there is a definite clunk from the steering box. It is not bad (for now) but will get worse if not attended to. He said the rest of the car is fine - looks like the previous owner installed new bushings prior to sale even (lucky me).
He's making a few calls to see how much it would set me back to have it refurbished, but I wish to explore all alleys simultaneously as this needs to be addressed asap.
Robin-535im
03-28-2006, 09:31 PM
It IS pretty rare for them to go out. If it were me, I would check the stuff DanH suggested, check the pitman arm operation / slack (see Bruno's site) and look into the collar nut under the dash. Checking stuff is free! These boxes rarely "go out" so I'd be sure to check all the other stuff first.

HTH

Robin
sKilled
03-28-2006, 10:01 PM
Yeah but when a pro checking it for free (ie. mates rates), says that there is a definite noise eminating from the box, and the rest is fine, I would tend to believe him. Will double check this weekend anyway - I think I might also be missing a heat shield on the exhaust. You can see the heat plume next to the driverside window when at the lights. Although it does look kinda cool lol.