Vague Steering

[adragonr]

Hi All,

I have an '82 plate 320, with an M20B27 swap and motronic. However, my question is regarding my power steering.

The car runs on coilovers, has lower brace, upper brace, rear brace and polybushes throughout. Including the steering coupler (disc in the column). And adjustable SST anti roll bars

It also runs 15's with 205/50r15 Bridgestone Potenzas and -2.5 degree camber up front.

However, even with all this, despite the fact it has plenty of grip, with good turn in response, the steering somehow still feels vague.

Is it a nuance of the E21 power steering system?
Would I be better swapping to a manual rack?
Is there anything I can do to tighten up the system?
Or is it tyres?

I am thinking I can stiffen up the front anti roll bar still however the current balance is very good so I would prefer to add another half degree of camber.

I don't particularly want to move to 16's although I am happy to if a move to Advan AD08R's are the solution.

Your experience would be much appreciated.

Cheers

[Wilmo]

Have you done these as well? They are kind of hidden, I at first did not know they existed. They improved my steering really a lot.

[adragonr]

Hi,
Mine's got power steering and I dont believe these bushes are required, or at least when the rack was off doing the engine swap there werent any, nor space for them, so unfortunately no improvements to be made there.
I am wondering if I need to swap to a manual rack to try and improve the situation, since quick racks are rarer than rocking horse sh...

[Atle_323i]

Have you done these as well? They are kind of hidden, I at first did not know they existed. They improved my steering really a lot.

Where can you buy those?

I just replaced mine with stock BMW, because I couldn't find anything else to use.

EDIT!

Found them https://www.strongflex.eu/en/38-bmw-e21-75-82

[Wilmo]

Yeah, and a guy on eBay has them, Al-Hafner Tuning.

[Duracel79]

Quick rack conversion on manual racks here:

https://steering-racks.co.uk/bmw-e21-ma ... -rack-rhd/

[petroscf]

Quick rack conversion on manual racks here:

https://steering-racks.co.uk/bmw-e21-ma ... -rack-rhd/

Yes, +1 here, I also believe this is the solution to your problem. You will not have a Peugeot 106 rallye next moment, but certainly a much better steering feeling

[Wilmo]

Why? You really expect play to be between the endless screw and the rack?

Well... that’s easy to check at least.

[adragonr]

I'm aware of the manual quick racks available. Any idea how much they cost?
Has anyone tried one?
I would also need to source myself a manual rack. Not the end of the world.

[petroscf]

There was that group buy some years ago...
I don't exactly remember the final price but although it was definitely NOT cheap, it was not totally unaffordable for a new item
You can always ask the guys at Kiley Clinton about an offer
However, steering became MUCH heavier (which is not a problem when driving but it is a big problem when parking the car) and this is compared to my previous factory steering rack which also was a manual.
Feeling was absolutely upgraded, ok the car does not become a go cart, but the difference is significant.
And then there is always the possibility to add an electric column and then you're finished

[adragonr]

I had guessed it wan't on the cheap side.
I've had manual steering cars before, however nothing with as wide a tyre as this.
Did have an E46 with 235 wide tyres where the crank pulley broke and hence no power steering . That was heavy!
Electric power steering could be interesting. I guess not that cheap either.
Hmm, I think i'd rather spend my money on an LSD and megasquirt for now. Maybe come back to the steering later.

[petroscf]

Electric power steering could be interesting. I guess not that cheap either.

The EZ power steering solution indeed not a cheap one.
I have heard that electric columns from corsas or fiat 500 can be fitted into our cars for less money but no experience