steering rack play

[stupot]

Evening all, have a problem with steering rack movement .With car jacked up grabbing drivers side front wheel @ 9 & 3 o'clock i have play which traces back to the steering rack, gaitor slid back this measures .025 "+ on DTI ( up & down movement) .Looking @ the ROM a cylinder sleeve supports the rack but looks quite narrow & positoned fairly centrally , question to one of you clever gents is what supports therack the other side of the pinion where my play is?

regards Paul

[GDPR]

imported post

If you adjust the rack damper (the adjuster with the big locknut on the pinion housing), and if it is due to rack lift, that should get rid of the movement - careful not to overdo it or you won't self-centre properly

[stupot]

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Thanks Kryten have tried this ,didn't eliminate play . Does anything else support the rack inside the cylinder @ the drivers side end or is it just the mesh of rack to pinion?

[Sheepdip]

imported post

stupot wrote:

Thanks Kryten have tried this ,didn't eliminate play . Does anything else support the rack inside the cylinder @ the drivers side end or is it just the mesh of rack to pinion?

Paul, unfortunately on drivers side nothing supports the rack shaft, its free to float and play is taken out by the plunger pushing the rack into the pinion shaft. I found adjusting the plunger to eliminate play in the center makes it tight on lock because the rack has worn in the middle - its a case of juggling to find the right balance for you and the mot.

Driving another Stag which had had a brand new rack fitted a few years ago, I was staggered by the difference, positive and fun compared to my either tight or wooly rack that terrified me when the Mrs drove home from the pub.

I've overhauled a few and never found a way to overcome this wear, but found a s/h at Stoneleigh which felt better £15, overhauled (finding a seal round the wrong way!) and very pleased with it, reckon this is the best way.

[stupot]

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Thanks Sheepdip,nice to get the low down from someone thats stripped one down. Not sure where to go next ,will try plunger adjustment again but from memory didn,t even reduceplay on full lock where it should be less worn . other option is a recon unit but not sure what other than the seals they replace? although mine does seep a little so would benifit there. Regards stupot.

[Sheepdip]

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Hi Paul. Well I'm no expert so may be others who've found a way round it but unfortunately none that I've spoken to over the years . I reckon it partly wears because it never gets greased as you have to put a nipple in the plunger retainer(where the bolt is)- I leave one in mine. I guess if the seals leak then the fluid can wash the grease out. On stripping my last rack I found wear on thepinion shaft bearing surface (runs in a needle roller), I wondered if wear here and in the roller was the problemhence my replacement rack search.

Try tightening the plunger on lock, don't overtighten but you should be able to stop the steering moving with plunger pressure, then see how much play there is. At this point back off the plunger until can move the rack again,from lock to lock- thats about the best. Also make sure its well greased.

I'm not sure what a recon rack comes with either - within our area I've heard of problems with these as well. If you're going for a recon, I'd find a cheap knackered rack and send that in, at least you have a usable spare should the recon be a problem.

Good luck

Paul