Driving home the other night, I noticed that the steering was making a moan when turning. I checked the power steering fluid level, and although it was low, it was still about half full. I jacked up the front of the car, and found that both boots on the steering rack were wet. Time for a new steering rack.

I have been wanting to replace my steering rack with one from an e30 M3, since they have a slightly quicker ratio. This will also be an easy time to replace the steering rack, since I will have the engine out in a few weeks for my stroker build.

I checked a few online sources for rebuilt steering racks, and most were really expensive (~$550 + $300 core). Since I do not have a M3 core, I would likely end up eating both costs. My friend Jon located an ad for a good used M3 steering rack, which I was able to pick up for $300.

I picked up a rebuild kit for the rack, so I don't have to worry about the rack springing a leak shortly after installing it in the car. I'll do the rebuild while the engine is getting the machine work done.

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