Steering rack

[ade]

OK - although my car passed its mot, I was advised that the steering rack is worn (play in the steering wheel) - its not that major but how easy is it to change the steering rack?

Its 1.2 mk2 nova (with 1.4 engine in it)

Not got haynes to hand (just picked car up and am at work) - so is there anything to look out for?

Also - how much are they and can anyone recommend a good place???

Ade
:wink:

[Ben (lurk75)]

is it the rack thats worn or the steering column?

When you rebuilt the car how did you get the steering wheel off? Sometimes people whack the centre wich shears some of the plastic of the supports (cant explain what they are).

This will loosen up the wheel a fair bit.

To change the column is very easy...

2 bolts at the top one half way down and one at the bottom securing it in.

[ade]

didnt really say but when you turn the wheel theres free play in it (the column doesnt move but if you turn the wheel left/right its about 1/4inch of a dead turn - doesnt turn wheels).

Didnt whack wheel to get it off - it came off ok - a little pulling and thats about it.

Dunno if its the rack or column - think its the rack

Ade

[rgv_stu]

the joint can get play in it where the column bolts to rack
try tightening that first as its an easy job
also you can lower the pinion into the rack a bit and see if that makes a difference, its a big 22mm ish headed bolt that comes out the bottom of the rack. dont tighten it too much as the steering will get heavy. try those b4 getting a new rack

[Gazza14SR]

i got advised drivers side steering rack on my mot too. The mechanic says that the wheel wobbles slightly when shaken side to side. the passenger side is fine, anyone know what i need to do?

thanks

[ade]

cheers guys - sounds like the same mines experiencing.

Didnt realise there were 2 racks though (passenger/drivers?) - thought it was just one?

:?

mmm

I'll try tightening up the bolts a little - its not major - just mentioned thats all...

Ade

[Aragorn]

gazza would put money on it being the trackrod end

if u look at the end of the arm from the steering rack and wiggle the wheel you'll prolly see the trackrod end moving around

ade:

if it was the steering column iself u'll prolly find the wheel will turn but the output shaft (where it goes thru the bulkhead) wont turn

if it does then the column itself is fine and transfering the movement directly so it must be the actual rack thats causing the issues

[Gazza14SR]

aargon, is this a relatively easy job for me to do or will i have to take it to a garage? How much are track rod ends? thanks

[novax]

Ade, there is only 1 rack - he meant there are 2 ends. It's easy to change, 4 bolts into the bulkhead and 1 bolt at the steering column end. You'll need a ball joint splitter to make life easy.

Buy an exchange rack (?30ish) and 2 ball joints bolt it all back together and go get your tracking set up.