E36 intermediate steering shaft

[Ahmedsinc 414]

As above, does anyone have tips on how to get the bloody thing back in? Was quite difficult to slide the bottom knuckle all the way to the end of the splined shaft to get it off, more so now. Have installed S50 headers so space is even tighter than when they came out.

Thanks

[*Glenn* 854]

Unbolt the steering rack and move it forward slightly

[Ahmedsinc 414]

Unbolt the steering rack and move it forward slightly

Argh, why the hell didn't I think of that!

Thanks Glenn!

[Michael. 2312]

Yes, steering rack has to be moved forward.

I did this dozens of times on my E36 V8.

Not the most fun job, especially when it goes between a custom 4-2-1 manifold haha.

On a side note, take care as to not damage the splines, it can be easily done.

[Ahmedsinc 414]

Yes, steering rack has to be moved forward.

I did this dozens of times on my E36 V8.

Not the most fun job, especially when it goes between a custom 4-2-1 manifold haha.

On a side note, take care as to not damage the splines, it can be easily done.

Yup, the aluminium knuckles seem pretty soft & the spline count is far greater than I had anticipated. Just hoping I can line the sight marks back up when it goes in, probably the least enjoyable job so far!

When you did the job on your coupe, did you need to tap the knuckles home with a hammer or were you able to slide them on just using your hands?

[Ahmedsinc 414]

Gave the bugger three good doses of AC-90 and once the knuckles aligned with the splines properly it slid straight on, didn't have to unbolt the rack at all in the end.

I suspect I got lucky - thanks for the advice gents!