Steering - Another Question...

[rogerc]

Seem to be a few steering issues coming up in the forum at the moment...

Anyway, my issue... I have excessive play in my steering - always been there since I bought my Stag almost a year ago, but beginning to irritate me now (and I'm not convinced I'll get through my MOT in a few months).

Doesn't seem a lot when stationary - about a 'steering wheel spoke width' of play is the best I can describe. It isn't the lower shaft - checked this.

My question is, can this play be taken up in any adjustment anywhere, or is it time to get a new steering rack?

My thanks in advance for any feedback.

Roger

[Stagdad]

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Hi Roger

Mine too has a fair bit of play and has just pass its MOT so maybe it will be ok.All my slop seemes to be in the column.

Steve

[rogerc]

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I usually approach my MOTs on the hope all will be well...:?

I just don't fancy the pressure of sourcing and fitting a new rack within the 'free re-test' window...!!

Also, driving at 50mph + gets a bit off-putting, especially if you catch a side wind.

The lack of feedback leads me to think there isn't much in the way of adjustment available so I guess I'm going to go for a re-con rack...

[DJT]

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Roger,

Have you adjusted the free float? On top/front of the rack there is a locknut. This can be used to adjust float. Cannot remember the details offhand and I am away from my ROM for the next week. In the centre of this adjuster is also a small hex plug (129242). This should be replaced with a grease nipple occasionally and the rack given a couple of strokes from a grease gun. These acts may sort out the play but I fear if it as bad as you say, then it may be the torsion bar or pin inside the rack control valvethat is faulty.

There is a lot of good info here: http://www.triumphstag.net/start/Click on the Technical Area link on the LH side-bar, then select Suspension and Steering

Thereare good exploded drawings of the steering rackviewable by selectingSub-Assembly Diagrams then 02-54 and 02-55

Dave

[rogerc]

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Dave,

Appreciate the pointer - nothing to lose by having a look I think!

I'll take a look at the info you have referred to.

Thanks

[Stagdad]

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rogerc wrote:

I just don't fancy the pressure of sourcing and fitting a new rack within the 'free re-test' window...!!

Roger

I think you will find that now the MOT has gone computerized there is no real free re-test window .except for a few items like bulbs and tyres which have a 1 day re-test.Well at least thats how it is at most places around here.so there's nothing to loose any more (except another £50).

Steve

[John]

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I think you will find that now the MOT has gone computerized there is no real free re-test window .except for a few items like bulbs and tyres which have a 1 day re-test.

That's not the case. Mine needed a retest on the lower ball-joints. I had 10 working days to fix it for a partial retest.

[rogerc]

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Yes, I had the MOT on my Spitfire in May and that needed a bush replacing on the rear suspension. I had 10 days to get it done - they just re-checked that failure point and issued the certificate.