BDR: Steering binding – Do I replace the rack ??

[Ozzie Goat]

2008 Backdraft RT3

Since my car was new-to-me, the steering binds when in place.
By in place, I mean when steering input ends – the wheel ‘sticks’ in that position.

When driving down the road, it sticks on center. If it’s parked it can ‘stick’ in a partial turn position.
After the initial binding/sticking the steering seems to function well.

I’ve used SEARCH, and read the posts on this site. I jacked up the front, and don’t find any suspension parts are incorrect or binding. If you jiggle the steering wheel at rest, you can feel that the binding is in the steering rack, not from any component back to the steering wheel.

Question One: do I need a replacement steering rack based on this description ?? Is the steering rack adjustable in any way ??

Question Two: do I get a replacement steering rack from Backdraft or can Vintage (or another vendor) sell me the part ?? Is the part generic, and from another vehicle (order at NAPA, etc) ??

Thanks, Roy

[Ozzie Goat]

Any guidance on the part price would help as well.

[Hrdayz]

Can't help with the binding issue however backdraft has parts available on backdraft parts dot com. The manual rack is listed at $289.00.

[Ozzie Goat]

Appreciated.
It's got 3K miles so it's not worn.

[pgermond]

Driving ANY car with faulty steering is not good. Replace the rack.

[Cashburn]

Is the rack square to the frame cross member? I ask because I am aware of a batch of production at some point that had the incorrect orientation of the pillow blocks and the racks were not parallel to the crossmember.

That said if you have truly ruled out the other components (tie rods, ball joints, etc) then you should replace the rack. When replacing suggest a new u-joint assembly at the same time as well as ordering the latest pillow block set since it will angle the rack better for smoother (more even) feel from lock to lock.

[Ozzie Goat]

Thanks Cashburn.
I will check the alignment/pillows tonight.

In checking the ujoints and rods, it seems to have substantially loosened up.
Just from shaking the components.

The car is new to me, but the binding was quite bad.
It's better, I might monitor and resolve this next season.

[Ozzie Goat]

Also, in case anyone knows:

Do I have to order directly from Backdraft (no vendor, no LKQ part) ??

Is that steering rack serviceable (are there adjustments or oil/grease fittings) ??

Thanks to the Community

[trularin]

I had a sticky steering problem.

Mine turned out to be thermal expansion on the IDIDIT column.

I put in a heat shield and the problem has not been noticed since.

If you can isolate your components - it will help in the analysis.

Tru

[Tim7139]

As others have said, first, stop driving it. Binding is usually a prelude to breaking.
If you're capable, disconnect the rod ends and run the rack through it's range to isolate the binding to the rack itself instead of a defective joint in the steering column.

[Ozzie Goat]

Trularin - when you hold the steering shaft, you can feel the tension is in the steering rack - it's not inboard to the cockpit. Thanks for the information, it all helps.

"There are those who call me - Tim" I appreciate the feedback, and agree on isolating the rack from the suspension at this point. Warning received on binding leading to failure, I appreciate that.

[trularin]

Yup - and I wish I could spell. LOL

So, some two or so years ago, one of the members told of his disassembly of his rack to have the shaft polished to over come a sticking rack.

I think he said it was a Flaming River unit and it was on the right side.

Tru

[Ozzie Goat]

Jay the steering rack is square to and directly below the crossmember

[NRP/MN]

I have done service work on a local BDR car here in Minnesota. At the 500 mile mark on a new car, we did a safety inspection and found excessive play in the L/F wheel bearing. We brought this to the dealers attention ( no longer in business) and were told that Backdraft sourced the BMW suspensions from junkyards. He covered the cost of a new replacement. If this is true, your 3000 mile rack may not have been new at the time the car was purchased. If this is not accurate please correct what I was told.

[Ozzie Goat]

Thanks Mike.

Regardless if the component was new or not - the rack binds in place, but turns smoothly. I'm going to take one more crack at inspecting/isolating the ball joints and the other connection points, but I'm pretty resigned to replacing the steering rack after this season.

No one has details if the rack is serviceable for fluid levels (what type of oil/grease), or if the "lash" of the steering gear is adjustable. So, I'm left with replace.

[cbreez]

Originally Posted by NRP/MN

We brought this to the dealers attention ( no longer in business) and were told that Backdraft sourced the BMW suspensions from junkyards. He covered the cost of a new replacement. If this is true, your 3000 mile rack may not have been new at the time the car was purchased. If this is not accurate please correct what I was told.

You are accurate!

I have corrected some problems from these salvaged parts. Always bothered me...It should be fully disclosed by Backdraft BEFORE a purchase. A good lawyer could run with this...

[Ozzie Goat]

WOW I would not have thought that possible.
What vintage were these Cobras ? Are we talking years ago ?

Learn something new every day

[eunosracr]

Can anyone confirm this is true? The suspension bits come from junk yards?

[Ozzie Goat]

I think two people already did - with direct first hand experience.

Based on manufacturing in South Africa it seems unlikely, but BMW does manufacture in SA so there could be a surplus of used parts.

[eunosracr]

Originally Posted by Ozzie Goat

I think two people already did - with direct first hand experience.

Based on manufacturing in South Africa it seems unlikely, but BMW does manufacture in SA so there could be a surplus of used parts.

It would be interesting to hear from one of the current dealers. Paging Jay at Vintage.