19 replies to this topic

[floormanager]

Hi all,

After some advice.  I've just had a new steering rack fitted but I noticed that the anti-friction strips around the U clamps were missed.  I also believe the steering rack to body seal, part 21A30, was not fitted either.  I was wondering whether if I loosen the rack U clamps, the rack will drop sufficiently to fit the seal to the rack pinion, possibly through the hole in the floor? I'm also hoping, although less important, I can fit the anti-friction strips to the U clamps once they are loosened.  Anyone know this is likely to be successful, or do I need to take it back and get the subframe dropped again?

Paul

[Spider]

I’ve never done either but I’d say you’ll get the pinion to floor seal in that way but the U bolts will need to come out to get the anti-slip strips in.

[floormanager]

I’ve never done either but I’d say you’ll get the pinion to floor seal in that way but the U bolts will need to come out to get the anti-slip strips in.

Thanks Spider.  I hadn't planned to do it either but unfortunately, those that replaced the rack did not do the job as intended.

[GraemeC]

I don’t know if you’ll get it through the hole in the toe board, maybe put a cut in it so you can put it round the pinion shaft then superglue it back together?

[Tornado99]

Maybe easier to pull the steering column off the splined pinion, then fit a seal from the inside of footwell? The seal doesn't do a great job AFAIK, so perhaps just wrap some foam or rubber strip around the pinion, wedged or glues (silicone seal?) to the floor opening? 

 

The plastic strips for the U-clamps are for preventing creaks or rotating of the rack I believe. Could problem stuff them in just by loosening off the clamps one at a time and then tighening up to hold the strip btwn rack and "U". 

[floormanager]

Thanks, I was thinking about the superglue way for the seal. I was planning on removing the column, loosening the U clamp, lowering the rack, then trying to get the seal in from either the top or from underneath.

 

For the anti-friction strips, I was thinking of cutting the holes so I can slip them on the U clamps then trying to loosen the U clamp to slide them in.  I have to say I am very upset it was not fitted correctly in the first place.  The parts were on the invoice (pennies I know) but the cost of the rack fitting was not cheap.  They've offered to rectify but I was trying to avoid the hassle if it could be done another way.

[GraemeC]

I don't think you'll get the plastic strips in by just loosening the u-clamps.  The clamps are usually tight to the rack body at the sides, not just on the curve.

However it should be fairly easy to remove one clamp, add the strip and then replace & tighten before doing the other one.  This way nothing will move during the process.

[sonscar]

Don't the strips have holes which fit over the U bolts?Steve..

[Gaz66]

Don't the strips have holes which fit over the U bolts?Steve..

None of the ones Ive fitted have but they did have wrap around edges that go round the flats on the U clamp part.
That would be hard to put on properly without the clamp off and in your hand.

[floormanager]

Don't the strips have holes which fit over the U bolts?Steve..

They do, I was going to put a slit in the hole for the U-clamp, so I could pull it open and slip it on.  Just as well the weather looks poor at the weekend, I see me lying on my back swearing at my car in my future...  I will post how well (or badly) I get on.

[Miki Leyland]

Don't the strips have holes which fit over the U bolts?Steve..

At least mine had. I don't see how they could stay in place otherwise

[Tornado99]

Has anyone found not having the strips leads to unacceptable problems?

[Cooperman]

My cars don't have the strips fitted. Just do the U-bolts up tight once the rack is correctly positioned.

[floormanager]

My cars don't have the strips fitted. Just do the U-bolts up tight once the rack is correctly positioned.

Interesting, why not?  Am I wasting my time refitting them?

[Cooperman]

To me they are just something else to wear out. If the rack is correctly fitted and the U-bolts properly tightened, with Nyloc nuts used, then the rack is secured and located.
I'm sure some will say that the strips are vital, but I have not found that to be the case.