This product entry is for Vorshlag's BMW E36 Competition Steering Shaft Assembly. This can be used in the complete Vorshlag E36 LS1 Stage 0 engine swap kit, as well as BMW-powered Track Built E36 cars. Assembly includes custom spline Chrome-Moly Steel low profile needle bearing U-joints at both ends, a 2-piece collapsible double-D shaped intermediate shaft.
This is a bolt-on steering shaft assembly to replace the larger diameter aluminum steering shaft, "made for off-road use". The OEM shaft is not made to be used near an exhaust header, and it has a large rubber "rag joint" near the rack-and-pinion assembly and a large bellows near the firewall connection. These interfere with the full length headers in the Vorshlag LS1 swap kit, as well as dull the steering feel for track duty BMWs.
ALWAYS verify the spline count on your car's shaft ends before ordering. This replacement steering shaft uses our unique 17mm diameter / 54 spline U-joints on both ends. We have run into one non-North American market BMW customer with a manual rack in an E30 that had a 10-spline U-joint on one end. We do not make that U-joint, only this (much more common) 54 spline unit.
Installation Instructions
All Vorshlag steering shafts built since Oct 2011 have these steps (see below) performed by our technicians. If your Vorshlag steering shaft assembly (made before 2011) did not come pre-drilled for set screw retention (as shown below) please follow these steps to ensure safe installation and proper use. Failure to follow the instructions below could result in the U-joint securing set screws backing out and possibly U-joints becoming unsecured. Red thread locking compound should be used on the set screws along with the jam-nuts to secure the U-joints. Once installed this should be a trouble free part - but it is always good to check critical fasteners before each racing event.
(click on thumbnails for larger image)
Starting in October 2011, all complete steering shaft assemblies have this set screw retention machining process performed here at Vorshlag, before they are shipped. The slip-fit of the 2-piece shafts is also tested and perfected here at our facility. Customers still need to tighten the locking jam nuts and apply red thread locking compound to the the set screws after installation, to keep them secure, but you will no longer need to drill the indention yourself. Vorshlag is not liable for improper installation or care of this racing part.
