4 replies to this topic

[PaulColeman]

Whilst adjusting the brakes I noticed a fair amount of play in the front wheel of my daughter's 1976 Mini 1000. The wheel bearings are new so I'm guessing this is a CV joint problem? The other thing is that there is side-to-side play as well which looks as though it could be the steering rack. How much play should there be in the steering rack itself? Is it possible to get the rack out with the engine still in place?

 

The start of the registration on this car is NER and I'm beginning to think it stands for Never Ending Restoration!!

 

Cheers, Paul.

[KernowCooper]

CV Joint wont show as movement on the wheel Paul, look at the top and bottom ball joints or actual wear in the hub where the bearing outer races are pressed in.

There is room to get the rack out by undiog the rear subframe mounts its tight but do able. The rack may have some play in the rod ends if so they should be replaced, or the racks bushing will allow movement up/down any movement there should be nothing though, otherwise its a MOT fail.

 

Check the steering arms are tight to the hubs while your there.

[jaydee]

As above, side to side its likely to be either a track rod or the steering rack

[PaulColeman]

CV Joint wont show as movement on the wheel Paul, look at the top and bottom ball joints or actual wear in the hub where the bearing outer races are pressed in.

There is room to get the rack out by undiog the rear subframe mounts its tight but do able. The rack may have some play in the rod ends if so they should be replaced, or the racks bushing will allow movement up/down any movement there should be nothing though, otherwise its a MOT fail.

 

Check the steering arms are tight to the hubs while your there.

The top/bottom ball joints are new and I shimmed them according to the manual. The steering arms are tight to the hubs and have locking tabs on them both. Both wheel bearings are new and I don't remember there being any play in the hubs. Very strange

 

Can the ends of the steering rack be replaced? I couldn't see any spares for the rack on Mini Spares...

 

As above, side to side its likely to be either a track rod or the steering rack

The track rod ends are new but I can see the steering rack ends moving in/out.

 

Cheers, Paul.

[KernowCooper]

If its a old rack then not sure you can get bits, but it could be bush wear and difficult to get ?

 

Racks depending where they come from now are refurbished to varying standards, the motor factor ones are terrible and dont last, speak to Simon at Minispares