21 replies to this topic

[icklemini]

think I'll just have to buy a new rack then, it seems a bit silly that you can't replace just the track rod though!

Check with your motor factors - you can often get new track rods at about 15-20 a time... Hence i said earlier with a Mini its cheaper to change the rack and it will be 'as new'

Always lap in ball joints... and if the bottom one has play in it then deffo dont re-shim - replace...

[KJM]

Well I had a go at changing the rack... Apart from the fact there's alot of bolts to undo, it went smoothly!! It was a bit tricky lining the column back up to the splines but that was because I had loosened it and it was at the wrong angle! Once I put the column back in it's right place it slid onto the splines perfectly!

I also did the ball joint, but it was a little stiff, but still moved so hopefully mr. MOT will be happy!

The only thing is, the steering now feels alot heavier, and doesn't re-centralise as smoothly/easily; I'm not sure if this is this new rack (probably not), the ball joint being too tight, or the wheel alignment being hideously out! Any ideas?

[MRA]

More than likely to be your tracking, however is th esteering smooth or knotchy ?

ANd how or what did you do to your ball joints ?

[KJM]

More than likely to be your tracking, however is th esteering smooth or knotchy ?

ANd how or what did you do to your ball joints ?

The steering is smooth, not notchy - i'll have to get the tape measure out for a rough guide an set the wheel at 0degrees for now...

I didn't get any grinding paste to lap in the the new ball joint so for the one journey (2 miles) to the MOT station I've just removed a shim and put it back together... not ideal I know but I'll will be fitting a new ball joint at the weekend with the proper lapped in procedure! I won't be using the car until I can afford the tax so I've got the time to redo it correctly! I didn't want to fit a new ball joint and start bedding it in incorrectly...

[MRA]

This may interest you.....

http://www.mra-minis...them-safety.htm

[KJM]

Thats a very interesting read and a very important point to consider!!

For a couple of miles down the road (not doing more than 30) I should be ok?!
I will then sort the ball joint properly and correctly before I do any more driving (especially as I don't want to crash a newly restored mini...)

Thanks for all your advice MRA Minis, I very much appreciate it! And I WILL definately take your advice on this!

[KJM]

The Mini passed its MOT!!

Still a few bits to do such as the ball joint but well happy! Thanks all for your help!!