26 replies to this topic

[pikey7]

The toe board is the panel that your toes go on! (the major "flat" panel that separates your feet from the engine!)

lift the carpet, and tighten the 4 nuts that hold the rack to the body via the u-bolts.

[Dan]

The toe board is the lower part of the bulkhead where the subframe and rack are fitted, the angled section.

[BiMU]

I just loosened then re-tightend the u-bolt nuts... theres still play... Me thinks this may turn out expensive!

[pikey7]

jack it up one side at a time, take the wheel off (don't forget to properly support the car), and try to "steer" the wheels (not at the steering wheel!). You may have some play in the rod-ends.

[topcat]

Have you taken the steering column off yet? I had the same problem and it was the splines on the inside of the steering column had completly worn out. Luckly the teeth on the steering rack is harder metal so it was not worn.

It happened because I lowered the steering column without rotating the steering rack! Silly but I wasnt to know at the time. New inner to the steering column from the scrapy for £5 and it was fine. Good luck!

[BiMU]

Have you taken the steering column off yet? I had the same problem and it was the splines on the inside of the steering column had completly worn out. Luckly the teeth on the steering rack is harder metal so it was not worn.

It happened because I lowered the steering column without rotating the steering rack! Silly but I wasnt to know at the time. New inner to the steering column from the scrapy for £5 and it was fine. Good luck!

Not yet... kinda scared of taking it out. Is it a long procedure and do u have any tips of getting it out?

[miniboo]

make sure you remove the pinch bolt completely out of the bottm of the cloumn or it won't come apart!!

[BiMU]

make sure you remove the pinch bolt completely out of the bottm of the cloumn or it won't come apart!!

Just wondering what kind of nut is at the other end of the pinch bolt as it seems as hard as a mofo to come off!

[topcat]

It should be pretty easy. It may have been tightened up alot but it wont help if the splines have worn.

When i took mine out, the bolt was a bit tricky to take out because it had bent due to the movement.

Apart from that it should be simple enough. just undo the pinch bolt at the bottom, disconnect the ignition wiring at the connectors under the dash and undo the top clamp (which might have a anti-tamper nut on it which will require mole grips or cut a couple of flats either side to hold it better). Then just pull the column out and inspect the splines.

Have u ever seen any metal powder at the base of the column? Mine had quite a bit that had fallen out as it had worn.

Also you might be able feel a bit of play between the bottom clamp and pinion gear if you just rest your finger between them and give the steering wheel a wobble.

[seven]

Where are you?

Maybe there is someone who KNOWS how to diagnose this who is near to you.

Or if you got a friendly local MOT garage go have a word 5 mins and they will
find fault just don`t forget to buy them a few beers.

Best of Luck

[mini-gti]

i have a rack and a colum if you need either, both in fairly good condition (colum could do with lick of paint)make me an offer plus postage if you need them

gaz

[BiMU]

i have a rack and a colum if you need either, both in fairly good condition (colum could do with lick of paint)make me an offer plus postage if you need them

gaz

Hi gaz,

Will let you know asap. Have to get a mechanic to have a looksy first!

Cheers

Jai