haggis Posted September 19, 2018 Report Share Posted September 19, 2018 HI All, seem to have some play in my steering rack, works out about 5 degs both ways on the steering wheel before the wheels turn. I've replaced the flexible joint and the track rods are not worn. The rack is a sealed unit which can't be greased, just wondering if anyone knows if these are still adjustable like the originals??? or is it time for a replacement? Thanks Hag Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted September 19, 2018 Report Share Posted September 19, 2018 well some put it together so theres a way to take it apart ............... the basic principles must be similar ive not seen a sealed unit , got a picture ?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haggis Posted September 19, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 19, 2018 Hi Pete, Well it’s the same as an original except that the place where the grease nipple is, is now blanked off so you can’t grease/oil it. I had assumed it was a ‘sealed unit’ because of this, but maybe that’s not right. Rimmers mention a sealed for life product, but you are right if someone built it, it can be taken apart. Just wanted to see if anyone had tried before? Thanks hag Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted September 20, 2018 Report Share Posted September 20, 2018 If its all simlar just the greaser cap missing and it has the large nut housing I would just unscrew and remove one shim Theres got to be some setting for the shoe pressing the rack the idler pinion preload and shimmed end sphericals Some modern spherical ends are crimpled, and can be reformed in press or re rolled in a lathe to reduce slack non adustable ends It all depends on where the play is coming from Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul H Posted September 20, 2018 Report Share Posted September 20, 2018 Hi Hag , I found this video helpful in stripping down a Vitesse steering rack there is a part 2 as well Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rogerguzzi Posted September 20, 2018 Report Share Posted September 20, 2018 3 hours ago, Paul H said: Hi Hag , I found this video helpful in stripping down a Vitesse steering rack there is a part 2 as well Paul Hello Paul I like the fag hanging out of his mouth(just like the old days including doctors?) Roger Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave the tram Posted December 3, 2018 Report Share Posted December 3, 2018 I have a sealed after market steering rack and have a different problem - its a bit tight and where the shims would be under the lubrication point, its just a hex screw with paint line as if tamper proof. Its ok and much better than the previous free play but doesnt self-centre very well, although I suspect it might not be rack itself thats tight, but the ball joints to the tie rods that came self assembled. Anyone else had this. I jacked up the front and did 100 turns lock to lock which MIGHT have helped a bit. Also, I want to replace the flexible coupling to the steering column to get rid of the last bit of play and remember seeing this in a thread but can't now find it. Anyone used the Rimmers ones or any recommendations? Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted December 3, 2018 Report Share Posted December 3, 2018 I would pull the gaitors and grease the rack shaft, Then unscrew the damper shoe shimmed plate See what effect they have, Adjusting the pinion shims is a last job. Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colin Lindsay Posted December 3, 2018 Report Share Posted December 3, 2018 2 hours ago, Pete Lewis said: I would pull the gaitors and grease the rack shaft, Me too; extend fully, grease, then slide right through and do the same for the other side. Plenty of grease too, not enough to explode the gaiters but enough to get into the important bits inside the rack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave the tram Posted December 3, 2018 Report Share Posted December 3, 2018 Thanks both, will try that, but what is the 'damper shoe shimmed plate'? I would have thought that if I grease the rack but think its the inner ball joints that are tight, I would look to remove a shim from these looking at my Haynes manual. When the old rack assembly was off the car, these joints moved easily, but were very stiff on the new one so perhaps should have considered doing this before fitting. I just trusted that the new unit would be set up right. Also any guidance on sourcing replacement UJ for column base - I can see that remaining play of about 1/4 inch either way at steering wheel is from this universal joint. Track rod ends are new. Cheers Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted December 3, 2018 Report Share Posted December 3, 2018 There are two makes of rack , some the shoe is under a plate with shims and spring inside In the main the shoe is shim adjusted under the big nut /cap opposite the input shaft Too much pressure makes a stiff rack As for the spherical joint for the track rods they shim to an interferance of -0.002" or should take a load of 1.5lbs on the end of the rod to make it swivel Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
p7rider Posted March 7, 2019 Report Share Posted March 7, 2019 i believe the uj to get is for a MK11 Escort . buy a rally speck one . Though others on here have given an order number Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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