Mot failure

[Banny]

I'm afraid my 1977 Mk2 didn't make it though the Mot today. It failed on the nearside and offside drag link end ball joints having excessive play.

The guy said it had a bit too much play in the steering rack when he tested the play in the front wheels pulling them at the quarter to three position. He believed it could be taken up by adjusting the inter ball joints on the steering rack.

I've had a look and have pulled back the gaiters, can I knock back the tab on the ball joint nut and nip it up to take up the play? or do I need a new rack!!!. The play is about 2 to 3 mm, the manual is not that clear so any help would be much appreciated.

[redstag]

imported post

The inner balljoints are adjusted by shims behind the socket. You need to strip the balljoint and remove / add shims as required.

You will need to disconnect the outer joint first either by separating it or unscrewing the rod.

Knock back the tabs on the inner jointinner lock washer and you can remove the joint from the rack but be careful not to put strain on the rack pinion. I remove the opposite gaiter and hold that end with a spanner on the joint.

You can then disassemble the joint in a vice and fit shims as required.

Pete

[Banny]

imported post

Thanks Peter, I will give it a go. I guess that as I've got too much play I will need to remove a shimes or two.

I'm not goingto get it done before I go away on holiday but it's first job on the list when I get home -I'm sure the wife won't mind doing the unpacking.