steering coupler and offset bushing

#1

While I have my front suspension ripped apart, I was thinking of replacing the rubber steering column coupler but I can’t seem to find the part number or find a place that sells those (short of the whole assembly). Any leads?

For the control arm bushing, I bought hard offset bushings and was able to press them into the lollipop. Is it recommended to drill, tap and put a screw into it so it doesn’t rotate?
edit: found a good post on this here: http://spece30.com/component/option,com_mamboboard/Itemid,/func,view/catid,13/id,5602/#5602

thanks,
bruce

#2

Bruce,
best I can tell from etk "rubber steering coupler" (or universal join per etk) is
PN 32 31 1 153 993 (I looked it up for 89 325i as I think that’s what you have)

I am not sure if you want to replace just the rubber part or swivel joint as well (PN 32 31 1 156 348).

#3

there are 2 versions of the steering U joint…one for airbag cars and one for non-airbag cars. It is a giant PITA to change out and AFAIK, since it is riveted together it is replaces as a unit.I suppose you could drill the rivets and replace the rubber piece and bolt it back together.

#4

when I looked at mine more closely, I noticed that it didn’t look easy to disassemble… the rubber actually looks good so I suspect it was changed when the rebuilt steering rack was installed.
cheers,
bruce

nasaregistrar wrote:

#5

leggwork wrote:

[quote]when I looked at mine more closely, I noticed that it didn’t look easy to disassemble… the rubber actually looks good so I suspect it was changed when the rebuilt steering rack was installed.
cheers,
bruce

nasaregistrar wrote:

Lucky for you…