8 replies to this topic

[pjku79]

I have what I believe to be a mid 70's austin mini titled as a 63. My car has not handled like a go cart ever since I bought it. Last week I had a wheel bearing go out, so I started checking out the rest of the front suspension while I had it apart. All of the bushings seemed to be good, but I noticed there is some play in the steering rack. Once I got the car back together I was checking to make sure the wheel bearing was set good and I noticed I could move the wheel side to side (like using the steering wheel) with no movement in the steering wheel. This happens from both the driver side or passenger side wheel .When performing this I can see the rod transfer the movement into the rack, so it is not the ball joint. I have already checked the joint at the bottom of the steering column (inside floor). Is there some kind of adjustment on the rack itself or do I need to rebuild/replace? Also, if I do need to replace it, is there an easy way to pull it out without major work?

[shorty]

check the plastic bushings on the steering rack

[pjku79]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but where are the plastic bushings? Are they under the boots?

[Surfbluegarage]

just get someone to turn the wheel side to side wile you lookdown the bac of the engine. make sure the rack is not moving inside the u clamps... seen this before on a mates scamp he had 2 inches of play in his wheel because they were loose.

[pjku79]

I jacked the car up and moved the wheels with my hands while watching the rack. The rack does not move, but there is some play before the steering wheel moves. The wierd thing is it I do the opposite of that and move the steering wheel while watching the tires there is no play. It seems like you have to put pressure on the wheels to get the play.

[mniguy_nz]

Check the inner tie rods underneath the boot. If you get a firm hold of the outer tierod and push/pull there may be a small amount of play indicating wear in the inner joint. If you cut the cable inner cable tie holding the boot on and slide the boot back you may be able to see play in the joint but just try pushing/pulling first

[pjku79]

Check the inner tie rods underneath the boot. If you get a firm hold of the outer tierod and push/pull there may be a small amount of play indicating wear in the inner joint. If you cut the cable inner cable tie holding the boot on and slide the boot back you may be able to see play in the joint but just try pushing/pulling first

I will check this tonight if I get home from work at a decent hour. I assume these are replaceable. Is it maybe called something else? I tried searching on minispares and minisport and didn't see anything.

Edited by pjku79, 03 September 2009 - 01:10 PM.

[bmcecosse]

The tie rod joints under the boots are adjustable - not easy on the car (because of poor access) -easy enough off the car. The damper can also be adjusted up. But DO check the U bolts are tight! The symptoms you describe do suggest the whole rack may be moving.

[pjku79]

The tie rod joints under the boots are adjustable - not easy on the car (because of poor access) -easy enough off the car. The damper can also be adjusted up. But DO check the U bolts are tight! The symptoms you describe do suggest the whole rack may be moving.

I checked the U bolts and looked at the rack itself while moving the wheel and it is not moving.