Firstfives.org

Hi folks,

My US Spec e12 has developed a big leak coming from the steering box. I have not gotten down and checked the exact location but it seems to be coming from the bottom where the box connects to the steering linkage.

So here’s my question, is there an upgrade out there to the factory steering system from a later bmw? Something that would bolt right in? Or should I remove the current system and look for someone to rebuild it?

Seems like the e24 shares the same part numbers and would work, but I’d rather upgrade for something that would perform better, if possible.

As far as rebuilding goes, is there a guide on how to do so? Or even removing the power steering system?

Any help would be appreciated. Located in Ontario.

E12 and E24 thru 82 share the same box, I believe anything else would be an enormous amount of work to retrofit. 83 on E24 boxes will not work, they use the E28 box.

I would not attempt to rebuild it, but instead just change the seal on the output shaft, that appears to be fairly easy to do, at least once you have that heavy lump out. If there is a way to clean it and degrease the area before you pull the box you will thank yourself, front end work always seems to be dirty up to your armpits. You will also want to try to get the steering shaft onto the same spot on the input side, but nothing in R and R'ing it will affect alignment.

Here's a link to the box itself, Realoem is a great resource if you're not familiar with it, https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=32_0825

Car-part shows one available in eastern Canada, though with a 45 year old part there's no guaranty it won't leak soon too. https://car-part.com/