8 replies to this topic

[jmetal88]

Model:Mini 1000
Year:1990

I need a pretty quick answer for this one.

I'm trying to change my steering rack by following the procedure in the Haynes manual. I'm at the point where I'm supposed to detach the clutch slave cylinder. Trouble is, the hydraulic lines for my brake system are blocking off access to all the bolts except one, so I can't get it off.

Would I be able to drop the subframe low enough to get the steering rack out without taking off the clutch slave cylinder?

[Tomf]

Yea its a bit of a fiddle, but you can most definitely drop the subframe enough to get the rack out and a new one back in, leaving everything else still attached.

All i do is:

Remove the steering column,
Undo the steering rack U brackets
Undo the and crack the track rod ends,
Undo all the subframe mounts and the shocks, making sure both the car and subframe are supported.
Lower the subframe from the car, just enough to get the rack out,
The re-fit the new rack along with bolting everything back up.

[jmetal88]

Yea its a bit of a fiddle, but you can most definitely drop the subframe enough to get the rack out and a new one back in, leaving everything else still attached.

All i do is:

Remove the steering column,
Undo the steering rack U brackets
Undo the and crack the track rod ends,
Undo all the subframe mounts and the shocks, making sure both the car and subframe are supported.
Lower the subframe from the car, just enough to get the rack out,
The re-fit the new rack along with bolting everything back up.

Thanks a lot, you just saved me a lot of headache.

[Kam]

If you happen to have the July edition of minimag (white italian job on front with 'blow the bloody doors off' its got a very useful guide to changing the steering rack, might come in handy

[jmetal88]

If you happen to have the July edition of minimag (white italian job on front with 'blow the bloody doors off' its got a very useful guide to changing the steering rack, might come in handy

I don't have any copies of Mini Magazine actually.

I've managed to get the passenger side U-bolt out now, but I'm still working on the driver's side.

[Kam]

I don't have any copies of Mini Magazine actually.

You may get a pm later.....

[Cooperman]

Don't forget to undo the engine steadies.

[jaydee]

I have a 90 mini and I didnt follow hynes and i havent had to remove all that stuff for a direct steering rack swap..

[jmetal88]

Well guys, I got the old rack out and the new one in, no problem. It was actually an easier job than I expected, although definitely time-consuming. Thanks for the help!