35 replies to this topic

[AlasdairM]

Hello

 

My 1992 cooper failed its MOT today, for excessive play in the steering rack (and a torn gaiter). 

 

I immediately bought a new replacement rack from Minispares, and it's due to arrive tomorrow. Upon further reading though, the job looks like a bit of a nightmare! A good amount of work anyway. 

 

My question is, is it worth trying this method: ???

 

I could then just replace the bushes, or at worst the steering rods (if they need done). 

 

What are your thoughts? 

 

I am also doing this on the street, hence why I am inclined to take the easier option...

 

[AlasdairM]

https://www.ebay.co....HAAAOSwG0dgeAnY

 this would be the replacement rod I would use...

[cal844]

You change the full rack, they usually come with rack ends and gaitors fitted.

Personally I'd renew the track rod ends whilst you have the old ones off.

I've changed racks with the engine in place in my garage, not fun! But it can be done!

[floormanager]

It's the bushes that fail the MOT.  You can replace the bushes in situ - some work is here

 

 

Attached Files

•  Steering Rack Bushing.pdf   231K   94 downloads
•  Steering rack info.pdf   204.1K   57 downloads

Edited by floormanager, 11 May 2021 - 08:36 PM.

[AlasdairM]

Thanks both. 

 

Floormanager, is this the bush I would need to replace? https://www.minispar...px|Back to shop

 

I also have a spare gaitor, so could fix this when I am replacing that bush. 

 

I would much rather keep the rack on the car, rather than dropping the subframe!

[floormanager]

Thanks both. 

 

Floormanager, is this the bush I would need to replace? https://www.minispar...px|Back to shop

 

I also have a spare gaitor, so could fix this when I am replacing that bush. 

 

I would much rather keep the rack on the car, rather than dropping the subframe!

Yes, it is but Somerfords also sell the metal outer ring that goes round it, which you might need / be better to replace #7 on this picture.

 Capture.JPG   21.09K   8 downloads

I had a practice on an old rack, not too bad out of the car!!  Can send pics if you want.

Paul

[AlasdairM]

 

Thanks both. 

 

Floormanager, is this the bush I would need to replace? https://www.minispar...px|Back to shop

 

I also have a spare gaitor, so could fix this when I am replacing that bush. 

 

I would much rather keep the rack on the car, rather than dropping the subframe!

Yes, it is but Somerfords also sell the metal outer ring that goes round it, which you might need / be better to replace #7 on this picture.

Capture.JPG

I had a practice on an old rack, not too bad out of the car!!  Can send pics if you want.

Paul

 

 

Thank you. 

 

Yes if you wouldn't mind sending some pics, that would be great!

 

IMO it's worth a shot. If there is still play after replacing the bushing, then i'll be back to replacing the whole rack anyway. 

[nicklouse]

I would still replace the rack.

[AlasdairM]

I would still replace the rack.

 

Yes I've ordered a new one, but I would rather save that for a winter job (when the mini is garaged). 

 

This bush replacement should work for the MOT/summer (hopefully!)

[viz139]

The bush in the link above does 70's - 80's racks but is different to MPi racks and I do not know the change over year. I have done the bush out of the car and don't think I would try it in the car. In the video he doesn't show the unpeening and repeening of the collar that would be tricky in place. Note that the video is for a LHD car and there is only one bush on the passanger side. If your steering box is worn that is a different kettle of fish. 

[Spider]

I have made a tool to get the bush out while the rack is in the car. It’s fairly easy to fit the new one, however inevitably it will also need some adjusting too, so in your case here, perhaps a replacement would be the best way forward.

It’s not a hard job to get them out or to refit them. If you have a helper, you’d do the job in 2 - 3 hrs. One tip I’ll pass on here is the U bolts tend to spread, so test fit them from the inside of the car, you do want them an easy fit. If you need to close them up, fit some nuts on the threads and gentley squash them up in a vice or if you don’t have one, tap them with a hammer.

[Tornado99]

I was preparing to have the rack replaced when a local min specialist shop (Steveston Motor Co) thought solution might just be to replace the steering column as the splines seemed worn, there was play at the spline clamp that could not be taken out with more bolt torque.
So did the column swap myself. Found the upper plastic bushings were absent and fitted new ones. New splines on column side of join seems to have complete solved the steering play. New upper bushing has made a much better steering feel at the wheel.

[AlasdairM]

ok thanks a lot all. 

 

Maybe I'm just being a chicken in not replacing the whole lot. 

 

I recently changed 4 shock absorbers on a B7 Audi RS4 (2007) on the street outside my flat, so if I can do that, I shouldn't be so worried about working on the mini! 

 

I only have 2 axle stands and a trolley jack- hopefully this will be enough to get the job done. 

[nicklouse]

ok thanks a lot all. 

 

Maybe I'm just being a chicken in not replacing the whole lot. 

 

I recently changed 4 shock absorbers on a B7 Audi RS4 (2007) on the street outside my flat, so if I can do that, I shouldn't be so worried about working on the mini! 

 

I only have 2 axle stands and a trolley jack- hopefully this will be enough to get the job done. 

All you need. And some other odds and ends. Just take your time and drop the rear of the subframe a little further than you think you need.

[AlasdairM]

okey thanks. I just hope I don't burst and pipes or hoses in the meantime! I'll just take my time- it can't be that hard!