4 replies to this topic

[Boycie]

Hi all,

I've noticed some play in my steering rack on the n/s.

It's only on one side and disappears into the rack under the gaiter, so I reckon it's in the trackrod-to-rack balljoint.

Are these adjustable? I haven't worked on a manual rack for years, and will probably just exchange it for a recon.. but is it rebuildable on the bench?

[mykweb]

before you go pulling the rack off the car and checking it.

Pull back the carpet and look at the mounts for the rack.

I thought mine was on its way out and someone said that the U shaped bolts that mount the rack sometimes come loose,Pulled back the carpet and tightend them up. Now the rack is solid. 2 minute fix and saved me hauling the damn thing off the car

Mike

[Sherlock]

Hi all,

I've noticed some play in my steering rack on the n/s.

It's only on one side and disappears into the rack under the gaiter, so I reckon it's in the trackrod-to-rack balljoint.

Are these adjustable? I haven't worked on a manual rack for years, and will probably just exchange it for a recon.. but is it rebuildable on the bench?

The track rod ball joint is adjustable & if that's your problem you can do it on the car. It's a lot like a front hub lower ball joint comprising the ball part in the outer collar which fits into a spring loaded nylon cup in the end of the rack. The outer collar is locked by winding up a locking ring on the same thread, this is then drilled & a short roll pin is tapped in for extra security. Remove track rod end from steering arm, pull back gaiter, apply full right lock (if you're doing the left side) Drill out the roll pin (which normally faces downwards), lock some grips onto the locking ring, & uncrew the outer collar which forms the joint (a bit naughty but I find a small stillson wrench useful for this). Remove the nylon cup & spring, remove the spring & re-assemble the outer collar, cup & track rod, screw the collar on until it just stops the track rod moving up & down, release slightly until the rod moves with slight resistance, at this point, screw the locking collar up against the outer collar. Remove outer collar, taking care not to move the locking ring, replace spring under cup, re-pack with grease, screw the outer collar back to the locking ring, by which time you will feel a lot more resistance to movement in the rod, due to the spring. Holding the outer collar at that point, tighten the locking ring against it, check that the rod has not become excessively tight, drill a suitable hole where the two parts meet (only about 3/8" deep or you will go straight through into the hollow end of the rack where the spring seats) Tap in a short roll pin, replace gaiter, track rod end etc, Job done. Sounds a lot but I did one on my Mini about 2 weeks ago, it took less than an hour. However, before embarking on the job ensure that the play is in the joint, not in the rack bush.

[Boycie]

Excellent, cheers guys

[Boycie]

Hmmm, I undid the gaiter today on the problem side to check out the balljoint... and was instantly covered in a shed-load of what smelt like gear oil.. I assume this oil shouldn't fill up the gaiters?!?!

Incidentally, the play is not in the balljoint as I'd hoped, it's going right inside the rack and is more 'side-to-side' movement rather than 'in-out' play.

Think I need a new steering rack.