E30 Steering Knuckle Clash with Extractors

[Deano1968 37]

Hi.

The previous owner of my 325i E30 fitted extractors.  When I take left hand corners hard, the extractors hit the bottom steering knuckle.  It may hit in other places but it is very hard to see.  I can however see where the aluminium steering knuckle has been rubbing on the extractors.  I have checked the motor mounts and they seem fine.  Can someone provide some advice on the best way to fix this problem (slowing down is not an option).  The car is fitted with the factory steering rack and I do not want to change it at this stage.

Cheers.

Dean.

[BM WORLD 1286]

bash the headers or fit some washers under the engine mount on that side

[Deano1968 37]

Thanks Brent.  Was hoping someone could put me onto replacement knuckles with a smaller OD.

[BM WORLD 1286]

40 minutes ago, Deano1968 said:

Thanks Brent.  Was hoping someone could put me onto replacement knuckles with a smaller OD.

yea another option , some later cars have smaller ones , come check some out if you like here

[Ace Of Spades 51]

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/Corsa_Steering_Linkage

Holden Astra part, super cheep 

[Deano1968 37]

Thanks Sam.  Any idea what year or any particular model?

[Ace Of Spades 51]

believe 90's era, 3rd/4th gen and all models 

[FIAT 131R 223]

I have a modified knuckle and will post a pic tomorrow.

 

[Deano1968 37]

Thanks Sam and Geoff.

[Ace Of Spades 51]

3 hours ago, Deano1968 said:

Thanks Sam and Geoff.

Or look up _BRS_   e30 part 2 build on another setup

[zero 1162]

Will the astra trick work on an e46 aswell?

[Ace Of Spades 51]

Yeah, couple of UK guys have done it, Just check your lengths and measurements

Best is two UJ's from summit racing with a small piece of 1/2 bar in between.. ( Plenty of clearance)

Edited July 19, 2018 by Ace Of Spades

[Deano1968 37]

Cheers for that.  I will look into it.

[GorGasm 563]

Bash the headers, did it on my E55 with the same problem.

[Lucan 196]

+1 to Brent’s idea of lifting exhaust side engine mount slightly. Easy job

[Deano1968 37]

Can't bring myself to hitting the extractors.  I'd have to remove them to do that anyway which I want to avoid. 

Think I may replace the engine mounts.  They're original items and may be contributing to the engine movement, and will then replace the steering knuckles with something smaller.   Seems to be the tidiest, although not the least expensive, way to fix the problem.

[NZ00Z3 189]

Do you need to get the modified steering knuckle LVVTA certified as a modification?

[Deano1968 37]

That's a good question, which I don't know the answer to.  I'll most likely change it, and see if they notice it for the WOF.  I'm thinking that if I use factory made knuckles (from whichever car) without grinding or bashing anything then they should be safe.  This could be one of those questions that you don't really want to know the answer to.

[FIAT 131R 223]

Here is the pic of the modified steering knuckle with a normal size knuckle beside it.   The gain is 25mm clearance overall.

 

[Deano1968 37]

Thanks Geoff.  Unfortunately that won't fix my problem.  On my car the bottom aluminium knuckle is hitting the extractors (when taking left hand bends hard).  When I get some time in the next few weeks I'll head up to Brent's to sort through his stock to see what I can adapt.  I'll let everyone know what I find.  Cheers.