6 replies to this topic

[jetblack]

The mot informed me of excessive play in the steering, does this mean I need to change the steering rack ( a 4 spanner rating) or can I eliminate other causes first,taking into account that i recently changed the track rod ends and haven't had the tracking done.

[Ethel]

Ask the tester.

I'd imagine it is the rack if they didn't specify something else. It isn't a technically difficult job just a bit awkward. Check the rack is secured solidly to the shell first, if you have to diagnose the fault yourself.

[minislapper]

He could have meant the bushes in the steering column. I'd go back and get a better explanation as you could end up doing work for nothing.

[flamenco]

4 months ago I had some play in the steering rack which kept increasing every week...ended up without steering control in the end!! I had to replace the rack and the steering column, the splines were gone on both.

Just an advice, don't replace your steering rack with an imitation (mine was an italian aftermarket replacement)...it's better if you get yours reconditioned!

[Rented]

as said ask the guy at the MOT station they will tell you , sometimes excessigve play in the steering can be as simple as your track rod ends to as silly as the rack so always best to ask before taking tings apart . do u experience any noises whgen driving along as sometimes knocking etc can change the direction of where the problem maybe by adding up whats going on etc

[liirge]

Sorry to Hijack
I have knocking noises when i turn my steering, and the U bolts are tight.
What can this mean?
also MOT said i had excessive play

[Rented]

Sorry to Hijack
I have knocking noises when i turn my steering, and the U bolts are tight.
What can this mean?
also MOT said i had excessive play

i would check the track rod ends , also the uper and lower bushes straight off . on the bushes check for the rubbers being split or them being very loose - they should be very tight and hard to move by hand . on track road ends check they are not miss shaped or again loose as a first point of check . from there check the suspension , again check to see if they loose or the rubbers have split and top cones up underneath engine bay not all bust up. if none of those then things can get abit messy in terms of simple and common problems.