Power steering rack replacement

[LAMBRETTLAD]

Hi just ordered one of these

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Power-Steering-Rack-Triumph-Stag-fully-Refurbished-1-yr-Guarantee-/181632740273?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Car+Make%3ATriumph%7CModel%3AStag&hash=item2a4a27abb1

any thoughts ? mine has a crack in it !

[1959terry]

I had one delivered from them about 3 weeks ago however not got around to fitting it yet. It looks the part on the garage floor😛

[ozzymac2011]

bought and fitted one of these 10 months ago no problems,no connections etc Mac.

[jleyton]

Personally, I'd prefer to buy from a reputable And recognised Stag supplier - I'd get mine from LDparts.

Cheers

Julian

[kvc2308]

I brought mine from LD-Parts as everyone kept saying that was the place to go, low and behold it came direct from M&P steering. To make matters worse LD parts refused to let M&P collect from my address (something they did free of charge) so I had to pay to send it back to him. All in all I ended up being £75+ being out of pocket. Not happy!

My only advice would be to check where the hoses connect to the rack as these can normally get damaged and give a poor seal. My replacement rack was pretty bad, but couldn't go throught the stress of getting it all changed over again once I had it fitted to the car.

[jbuckl]

Anecdotally, and having had two rebuilt racks from different sources, that I wasnt happy with, I would recommend T.D. Fitchett.

Although my racks weren't from them, other members were happy with them and they felt better than either that I had done.

If I fit another rack it will probably be from them.

First rebuilt rack I got was still sloppy & leaked, second was too tight / lacked feel & precision.(neither were from Fitchetts)

FWIW £119 isnt enough to get recut pinion & rack gears, which most will need to avoid issues mentioned above.

[milothedog]

Anecdotally, and having had two rebuilt racks from different sources, that I wasnt happy with, I would recommend T.D. Fitchett.

Although my racks weren't from them, other members were happy with them and they felt better than either that I had done.

If I fit another rack it will probably be from them.

First rebuilt rack I got was still sloppy & leaked, second was too tight / lacked feel & precision.(neither were from Fitchetts)

FWIW £119 isnt enough to get recut pinion & rack gears, which most will need to avoid issues mentioned above.

I personally think any recon rack you purchase from any supplier would not be reconditioned to that extent. From my past work experience and where we reconditioned some components in house or had contracts with specialist. This type of thing revolves around the selection and re use of the best serviceable parts form a core stock of old units.

The worry is when there are no good bits left to reassemble to make recons, then the fun will start.

[jbuckl]

Milothedog,

I appreciate your honesty, & thats the point, for £119 the rack will be dissassembled cleaned reassembled with possibly some swapped parts & new seals then painted.

This is not reconditioning.

However, at TD Fitchetts, who I have visited, the standards seem higher, with new parts being sourced or manufactured & more post rebuild checks, hence my recommendation.....they are sourcing new items for some of their exchange powertrain parts.

When it comes to transmission and engine rebuilds, the reliance on unchecked core items is scary, especially if you are hoping for quiet operation, where gear measurement would be necessary and is rarely carried out.

More con, less recon.

Reassembly with new seals isnt even enough to stop leaks......unless the paint is really thick

I personally think any recon rack you purchase from any supplier would not be reconditioned to that extent. From my past work experience and where we reconditioned some components in house or had contracts with specialist. This type of thing revolves around the selection and re use of the best serviceable parts form a core stock of old units.

The worry is when there are no good bits left to reassemble to make recons, then the fun will start.

[LAMBRETTLAD]

Hi finally got around to taking the old one off BUT having a real job separating the rack from the steering column,I've huffed and puffed ,pushed and pulled and even asked it nicely using only four letter words :roll eyes: but no luck

any hints ?

[milothedog]

Hi finally got around to taking the old one off BUT having a real job separating the rack from the steering column,I've huffed and puffed ,pushed and pulled and even asked it nicely using only four letter words :roll eyes: but no luck

any hints ?

Assuming you have taken the pinch bolt out, then all you can do is either lever it off or spread it open a little.

Ian.

Just another thought, do you know how to centre it all when you put the new one on?

[LAMBRETTLAD]

thanks Ian
I am about to search on here for the centring details, I remember reading them a few weeks ago,small screwdriver in hole etc?

[milothedog]

thanks Ian
I am about to search on here for the centring details, I remember reading them a few weeks ago,small screwdriver in hole etc?

Basically, ensure the indicator cancelling clip is in the correct position at the steering wheel end on the column and as you say remove the greasing plug on the rack thrust adjuster and insert a long thin rod / screwdriver in the hole and locate the drilling in the rack itself. this then denotes it's centered. Then without moving either reconnect it.

Ian.

[LAMBRETTLAD]

Ian
Never even thought about the indicator cancelling clip ,( I should have as I do have an after market wooden wheel to go on!!!!)
So I have to take the steering column cowling off? there goes my bed time reading

[jleyton]

So I have to take the steering column cowling off? there goes my bed time reading

No, it's ok, you can see the clip with just the steering wheel off.

Cheers

Julian

[1959terry]

I forgot about this thread, anyway fitted my cheap £119 steering rack and the car has now been transformed. The steering now has feel again. Much more enjoyable driving the old girl now.