Steering rack leak

[Paddler]

I have a 2000 528i, purchased new, now with 48K miles on it, never wrecked. It has a leak in the steering rack, a $900 part, plus labor. Seems a little early for this kind of problem, as I wouldn't expect to replace this part for several hundred thousand miles, if ever. Does anyone know if this has been a problem in this car? The car is off warrantee, but I'm going to follow up with BMW to cover this cost. Any suggestions?

I have loved the car, but if they don't make good on this, well, there are lots of good cars out there next time I shop for an new one.

 

[epj3]

See what they will do, but the rack isn't built by BMW, so they really aren't accountable for it.

It doesn't seem too early, in fact if you do a lot of city driving, an original rack COULD possibly be simply worn down. Otherwise, there are places who can rebuild a rack for cheap and do just a good a job as if you bought one from the dealer. I had to replace a leaking steering rack on my 1988 325is (sorry to say it but it was the original rack and lasted 170,000 miles..). Instead of getting it for $650 at the dealer, or $350 at an auto store, I got it on ebay for $150 from a guy who sold nothing but chevy parts and just happened to have it. Yes I got VERY lucky. Just keep your eyes open.

Are you having any other problems? At least your not getting $2000 bills for a bad head gasket like my mom's pontaic montana at 40,000 miles.

 

[Big Daddy]

Why is the car out of warranty, was it sold in 1999? Five years and or 50k, seems you should still be covered. Either way I would take her to BMW and ask them to cover it. 48k is way too early for the rack to wear. BMW is as responsible for the rack as they are anyother original part of the car, they assume liability when they use it in their cars. If your dealer will not help call BMW NA.

 

[Paddler]

The warranty period was 4 years, I believe. So it's out on time. I agree, 47K is way too early for this kind of problem. It will be interesting to see what BMW does about it. Also, I understand that the rebuilt or kitted units aren't good, don't last long.

 

[epj3]

The warranty period was 4 years, I believe. So it's out on time. I agree, 47K is way too early for this kind of problem. It will be interesting to see what BMW does about it. Also, I understand that the rebuilt or kitted units aren't good, don't last long.

I don't think you can even BUY a new rack from the dealer. They are almost all rebuilt. Nothing wrong with a rebuilt rack - its JUST seals, and likely to last LONGER than a brand new one.

 

[Big Daddy]

You can buy new ones, they will run $800 or more. I would get a rebuilt, but make sure it is a ZF, not some off brand. I put a rebuilt ZF in my 318is myself and it was fairly easy. The car steered and handled great. Try a google search for "ZF" or "BMW Steering Racks" you will find hundreds.

 

[Paddler]

Thanks. My mechanic already ordered the part and has it waiting for me to tell him what to do. I spoke with the service manager at my dealership (BMW of Murray), who emailed the factory rep. That was two days ago, and I havn't heard back yet. They will either make good on it or lose future revenue. I have no sense of humor regarding having to replace an expensive part that should never cause problems. My next car may be a Toyota. BTW, a rebuilt unit is ~$750 plus shipping and core. Don't know what a new one is, but I'm sure it's a lot.

 

[Big Daddy]

Do you have sevrotronic? Griffiths has the racks, just FYI! Griffith's

And here is one on eBay eBay

 

[epj3]

I reccomend that guy on ebay - My friend purchased a rack from him about a year ago. It was shipped quickly and VERY clean.

 

[first5ny]

I was recently at the dealer for the inspection II and they said that my steering rack was leaking. Car has around 60K miles. Dealer claims new rack is $950 plus 4 hours labor plus an alignment for a total of $1,600. I checked the rack and saw a tiny amount of oil at the rubber boot of the rack. Wiped it clean and have been monitoring. So far the oil hasn't reappeared. I'll keep tabs on the steering fluid and wait until it gets really bad.

You can see certain areas where bmw really cheaped out the car, such as the steering rack. From what I hear the steering racks on certin bmws are known to crap out fairly early, some as early as 30K miles.

 

[epj3]

Holy crap, and to think Mine lasted 170,000 miles. oh well thats why I'd never buy a new car. As long as you people continue buying new cars, so theres a company to sell OEM parts, it's all good

 

[Big Daddy]

I have never heard that before. The one on my 318is went out at about 80k. They are ZF racks, which from what I understand are the best. If you measure the tie rods and keep things straight you do not need to realign the car. I installed mine and had Les Schwab check the alignment and they told me it was right on! I would take it somewhere other than that dealer.

 

[selavia]

Uhmm, I dunno who told you that your rack was leaking, but let me just share a personal experience. Recently my family purchased a 97 528i; went to get it inspected and the inspection shop told me the rack was leaking (car doesn't even have 90k), they wanted $850 to replace it; I said I'll get it fixed and bring it back for reinspection. Took the car to a private BMW shop. The guy looked at it and said it was only a clamp and one hose and it had just leaked in a way that made it look like the rack. Paid $105; car drives great and passed inspection.