10 replies to this topic

[aceadvice]

Hi, need some help from the mini specialists ! I'm working on a vehicle that uses a Mini rack but it's not the standard 2.7 ratio rack . Pretty sure the ratio is 3.2 , can anyone help identify which model it would have been fitted to originally ? Something is nagging me that the higher ratio is to do with larger wheels , possibly the 13" as used on the Sport pack version?

[nicklouse]

Standard is as you say 2.7 then there was the quick rack at 2.2.

13s were standard just with reduced motion.

[pdaykin]

I always thought that mk1s were 2.3, mk2 and 12" wheels (and ERA) were 3.3 and sports pack 2.7. There was also the aftermarket 2.2 as well.

I'd be quite interested to know as I'm looking to rebuild a late mini and thought I'd use one of the racks I already have and none seem to be quite as I thought they should be

[Spider]

The MKI Mini was 2.3 Turns Lock to Lock.  The MKII on was 2.7 Turns. The cars that were factory fitted with the 13" wheels, also used the same MKII rack, but as Nick pointed out, it was fitted with Lock Stops to reduce it's travel. I don't have any data on how much they reduced it by.

[nicklouse]

The MKI Mini was 2.3 Turns Lock to Lock.  The MKII on was 2.7 Turns. The cars that were factory fitted with the 13" wheels, also used the same MKII rack, but as Nick pointed out, it was fitted with Lock Stops to reduce it's travel. I don't have any data on how much they reduced it by.

If I understand it correctly the racks with the stops are the same as standard. Which is 2.7

The addition of the stops kinda throws the who lock to lock number of turns in the air as you are no longer moving the rack the sand distance,

The MK1 is a rack I have never had in my hands but I would guess that it's dimension will be different to the MK2 on as the steering arms were also different?

The 2.2 quick rack us MK2 dimensions but with different "tooth" sizing and pitch.

Is your 3.2/3.2 rack from a Mini?

[Spider]

 

The MKI Mini was 2.3 Turns Lock to Lock.  The MKII on was 2.7 Turns. The cars that were factory fitted with the 13" wheels, also used the same MKII rack, but as Nick pointed out, it was fitted with Lock Stops to reduce it's travel. I don't have any data on how much they reduced it by.

If I understand it correctly the racks with the stops are the same as standard. Which is 2.7  Standard MKII Rack.

The addition of the stops kinda throws the who lock to lock number of turns in the air as you are no longer moving the rack the sand distance,  Yes. I have a recollection that with the stops fitted, it's 2.5 turns L to L, but don't quote that as gospel (this is the Internet after all!)

The MK1 is a rack I have never had in my hands but I would guess that it's dimension will be different to the MK2 on as the steering arms were also different? Yes, The MKI Rack Inner is longer than a MKII and the Steering arms fitted to the Hubs are different.


Is your 3.2/3.2 rack from a Mini?   There was no 3.2 T to T rack fitted to a Mini.

 

[aceadvice]

Thanks for all your time . It's over 3 years since I last played with this motor and it's definitely a Mini rack and it's definitely a slower rack than the previous onefitted. In the back of my mind I remembered it was from one with larger wheels . A quick on car check show sit coming up as 2.5 turns lock to lock so looks like I misremembered 3.2 but was right on the larger wheels with it appearing to come from a 90 on vehicle with 13" wheels . Thanks again all.

 

One last question where are the lock stops located on the 2.5 rack , 'net research says it's done by welds internally on the rack itself ? If so it widens my search pool as I can easily modify the rack the same.  As I said unfortunately I can't immobilse the car to look closer with the rack out yet:(

Edited by aceadvice, 25 June 2016 - 03:13 PM.

[nicklouse]

The after market kits are plastic split collars that fit over the ball end of th rack under the boot. Stopping the rack moving as much.

I have just fitted some do can take pics if you want as I have not closed the boots up yet.

[aceadvice]

Nope, I understand where they will go , any idea on how thick they are though ?

[nicklouse]

Of the top of my head 1/2"

[Spider]

Nope, I understand where they will go , any idea on how thick they are though ?

 

The Factory Drawing I have shows them at 8.0 to 8.4 mm (yes, it's in metric!), Mild Steel Bar.

 

<EDIT: New replacement Racks for the 13" Wheel Minis are available;-

 

http://minispares.co...ck to catalogue

 

I was actually looking for the Lock Stops. I do recall seeing them listed by Mini Spares, but just at present, I can't even find a part number!>

Edited by Moke Spider, 25 June 2016 - 11:29 PM.