5 replies to this topic

[Island Mini]

As the title suggests I have play in my steering rack, however it appears to be the rod inside the sleeve that is loose. When I rock the wheel on the off-side there is no horizontal play however it is rattling around side-to-side and vertically inside the sleeve. Originally I expected worn splines however before I take the rack out I noticed this play is purely on the passenger side and the drivers side wheel is solid with no play. My steering appears as if there is play but does not feel loose; if that makes any sense...

 

Things I have done so far

 

• Change rod ends (needed changing desperately anyway)
• Torqued rack u-bolt nuts (not loose to start with)
• Torqued pinch bolt on steering shaft
• Remove gators to get a better look at both sides (no visible play on drivers side, but noticeable movement on passenger side)  
• Checked the inner ball joints between the track rod and the end of the rack (no play)
• Checked wheel bearings (no play)

My only other thought is my poly bushings on the front tie rods are almost non-existent. (very high on my list) Are this what are supposed to keep the rack solid within the sleeve. 

 

(The car is a 1989 Japo SPI (or used to be before the carbs went on))

 

Any thoughts appreciated as per usual

 

I am keeping replacing the rack last resort as I would have to bring one back from the UK on my plane which would likely be expensive and a pain in the bottom! The poly bushings need doing so they may be next thing I give a go.

 

Thanks

Toby

Edited by Island Mini, 25 August 2014 - 01:46 PM.

[Dan]

  Please don't try to avoid the swear filter, it's here on purpose.

 

  Are you saying there is radial play in the steering rack, but no axial play?  The inner rack can move around in the outer, but not along the length of it?  Sounds like the bush at the passenger side of the rack is shot.  Racks are non serviceable anyhow after Mk2 so it makes little difference whether its the bushes or the track rod ball joint, if the rack is worn it must be replaced.  Unless I've drastically misunderstood what you are describing there is no way the tie rod bushes can be causing this.

[Island Mini]

Apologies. I never realized that there was a filter, I just didn't want to actually type a rude word on here. I will edit it out at once!

Yes you have understood exactly what I meant. Radial play in the mount. Strange that only one bush may be worn. What would cause this do you think? Do you have a schematic or diagram of the rack by any chance?

I will look into sourcing a new rack then!

Thanks for the reply!

Toby

[Dan]

If the play is in the mount rather than between the inner and outer rack then it might just need the u bolt tightening up. If it is one worn bush it will be because the steering gaiter was loose or torn at some point in the past and grit got into it.

[Island Mini]

Okay that makes perfect sense. The gator was off when I bought the car! What a shame a 2 minute job could have saved me a pile of time, money and frustration! Not to mention the dangers of driving a car with a loose rack!

 

Thanks for the help

 

Toby

[Island Mini]

Quick question I've been doing some looking around.

http://www.minimania...minicat8-21.jpg

According to this diagram there should be a nylon bearing and a seal. Neither of these I have on either side. Seems strange to me unless I am looking at an older assembly.

I also found no evidence of grit in the rack what so ever.

I've found strange things done to this car before and I just want to make sure I'm not missing bits.

Thanks