[Scotty89]

Originally Posted by Jeef

You probably damaged the clock spring... I always move the steering rack to install DP's just gives it so much more room. Take some better pics then maybe we can help you out? You can't align the two bolts back in?

I am hoping I haven't damaged the clock spring - I did turn it around and around, but only gently.
When it got to the ends I could feel something pulling (which I now assume was the ribbon cable), so I didn't force it. I counted 6 turns from one lock to the other, so I have centred it at 3 turns and left it.

And no, the rack won't even fit back up to the frame, nowhere close to being able to put the bolts in. the passenger side almost reaches but it feels like something on the drivers side (Right hand drive) is blocking the rack from repositioning.

The AR DIY video I watched however was a LHD vehicle so I don't think they had the same problem. My car is RHD and there is really very little room around the O2 sensors, so I had to lower the rack right down.

If I knew that pulling it right down was going to disconnect something, I would have asked a shop to install the downpipes.

I would get you some more pictures, but I don't know what to take pictures of, as I don't even know how it's supposed to look. I've tried googling images, but all that comes up are various BMW steering wheels.
I'm struggling to visualise what could be wrong.

The rack is out of the frame, and it moves left and right freely and none of the hoses appear to be caught or binding.

When I try to put it back up into the frame, it feels like the steering column shaft is too long, as the lower universal joint will push out against the side of the engine bay instead of sliding back up the steering column shaft.

I don't understand, it's like there is something telescopic that has allowed the rack to come down, but now it's not aligned or something and won't let it slide back up to reinstall the rack to the frame.

I thought maybe it's stiff, but I've tried push it up with my leg, and it definitely won't budge. The passenger side of the rack nearly reaches up to the frame, but the drivers side is way off - so i think the steering column is binding on something and blocking it.

When you removed the rack for the DP installs, did you leave the steering wheel locked dead centre? Did you need to release the steering lock or steering column adjustment lever to get the rack back up?

[robc1976]

I have done 30 sets of dps, you have to move the tires as bit which will give you side to side movement and then the lines are not in the way of subframe mounting tabs. Then you can rotate the rack up and into the subframe. Wish I was closer so I could help you out.

[Jeef]

He's very far!

When I remove the steering rack for DP install I just unbolt the bolts and pull it out and away. After finishing install I just simply push it back up into place and bolt it back up. Check up top maybe something is in the way? Can't really help you if we can't see whats going on, maybe take a video of you trying to push it back into place?

[robc1976]

Originally Posted by Jeef

He's very far!

When I remove the steering rack for DP install I just unbolt the bolts and pull it out and away. After finishing install I just simply push it back up into place and bolt it back up. Check up top maybe something is in the way? Can't really help you if we can't see whats going on, maybe take a video of you trying to push it back into place?

exactly, sometimes you have to push on tires to get it in place....2 mins tops

[Scotty89]

I will try to get a video tonight. I wish it would just push straight in...

[Lambobimmer]

Originally Posted by Scotty89

I will try to get a video tonight. I wish it would just push straight in...

It is very tough to just push the steering rack back in. The easiest way is to pull the tires either right or left so that you can get the rack even with the mount. Then pull the tires in the direction that will line the holes back up with the mount. I have done this many times and you should not have the issues that you are having unless something is messed up. It is easiest to move the rack left or right by either pushing or pulling on the wheels while you are under the car.

[Ingeniator]

Originally Posted by Scotty89

I will try to get a video tonight. I wish it would just push straight in...

The power steering expansion loop runs right through there also. Make sure that isn't causing the problem. The shop that had my 135 before I bought it messed mine up royally because they just jammed the rack back in. The job wasn't complete when I bought it but it was a pain in the ass.

[Scotty89]

Got it back together and then killed the clock spring. Fucking fantastic.

I think I've also got an exhaust leak too, as there is huge whooshing sounds under throttle which I think is a little more than just the turbos spooling.

Get down pipes they said. It'll be fun they said.

[Jklad]

Originally Posted by Scotty89

Got it back together and then killed the clock spring. Fucking fantastic.

I think I've also got an exhaust leak too, as there is huge whooshing sounds under throttle which I think is a little more than just the turbos spooling.

Get down pipes they said. It'll be fun they said.

Sorry to hear that...Well, so how did you manage to get it back in place after all that??