Can I adjust the stearing rack (1989 live axle)

[Jorgen]

I have some play in my stearing rack on my 1989 live axle car. The rack is the original rack that was installed when the car was buildt with flared wings i.e. no quick rack.

 

Have been searching the archives and there is a lot of info, but when comparing my rack with the info I can find I am not sure "we" are looking at the same rack. Could there simply be some old model that is not adjustable.

 

Thanks

 

Jorgen

[Nigel Riches]

Hi Jorgen, when you say, "some play in your steering rack" do you mean that as you turn the steering wheel there is a delay in the rack moving?, or is it movement up and down at the ends of the rack where the inner end of the track rod arm is connected to the rack shaft?, any pictures of your steering rack? some have a friction adjuster where the spigot enters the rack housing, if there is play at the ends of the rack it may be possible to fit new bushes, depending on your rack type. Nigel.

 

1982. 5 speed, clamshells. B.R.G / Ali. The True Colours.

[Jorgen]

I can turn the steering wheel about 10mm before the road wheels start to turn. Not quite sure what is the right english word for this.

 

The feel is not to bad when driving the car but it gets gradually worse so would be nice to have it sorted or at least know if I need a new rack fitted. Will take a picture this weekend. This will of course make the rack identification more easy.

 

Jorgen

[elie boone]

Did you checked the track rod ends ? 10mm is a lot for track rod end play but together with some play in the steering rack it's possible.

 

Did you check the steering rack clamps if they are loose ?

[Jorgen]

Have checked all that I could think of, and also think I have found the faulty part. The clamp that hold the lower and upper steering column parts together was sliding just a little bit. Torqued the bolts and the crub screw. This reduced the play by a lot. Unforunately there was a funny feeling to the crub screw so thought I might as well take the whole thing apart. This was when the crub screw broke

 

New clamp assembly ordered so should be on the road again in a few days.

 

Jorgen