[Serf27]

I started to replace my rack and pinion today on e90 328i.
I got it all removed and I got in the car for something, and not thinking, I turned the wheel.
Now I have no clue which way I turned the wheel.
Is there a way I can center the wheel and have it line up center with the new rack?

Should I remove the clock spring before I install the new rack tomorrow?

Only thing I can think of is, center the tie rod ends, attach the rack to the column with the wheel center then turn it side to side to see if all feels well. If it feels off, then I would un attach the rack from the column and turn the wheel 1 full time and attach the rack and again and go side. Then continue doing this till it feels and looks right.

Would that work or is there another way?

Thanks.

[dpaul]

You can go ahead and install the rack but do not attach to the coupling to the steering column yet.

Since you've moved the steering wheel an unknown amount, it is not possible to determine if the clock spring is in the center of its allowed rotation without disassembly (5 or 6 turns total, can't remember exactly). If you over-wind or over-unwind the clock spring even just 1 full turn you will likely damage it.

So do not perform the test you described. Remove the clockspring, center it, re-install to a "level" steering wheel, tie up the steering wheel so it cannot rotate too much, then worry about the rack.

[Serf27]

Thanks for the help.
I decided to do the oil pan gasket so I did not have a chance to get the rack in today.

But for tomorrow,
Once I have the clock spring centered, I then center the steering wheel with the column and install both correct?
I then center the rack by itself and attach the coupler to the rack once all 3 are centered?

[Serf27]

Hey dpaul you there? Or anyone else that can help please.

I put the new rack in and lined it up as straight as possible eyeballing it. I know I’ll need an alignment after, that’s ok.

I got the steering wheel center on the column also.

I took the clock spring off and from the center, it can spin clock wise or counter clockwise 2 times each way.
So it spins like this 1-2-3-2-1
It locks into the the center position using a pin.
When it is locked in the 3rd position, which I can only assume would be dead center, is that when I bolt everything up?

Thanks.

[nsjames]

yes.

the only thing you need to center in the column is the clock sprnig.

everything else can spin a million times and not matter.

if you get it close the alignment shop should center it up on the rack.
if they don't, find a new alignment place.

[Serf27]

Ok great, thanks for the confirmation.

[dpaul]

Yep, sound like you're good to go