replacing steering rack etc how difficult is it.

Post by **ssnjimb** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:22 pm

Hello Folks

I intend to change my steering rack on the minor.

How easy/ hard is it to replace as its hidden behind the engine.

James

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:28 pm

It can be done - bit fiddly, but not impossible. Why does it need changing ?

Post by **PAULJ** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:30 pm

Easy if you can get the car up off the ground. Take the left wheel off. slacken the top clamp on the column and undo the pinch bolt at the bottom. Undo the two track rod ball joints. You will need someone to hold the bolt heads inside the car. Undo the clamp bolts and pull it out the left side of the car. When you put the new one in do the clamp boltd up hand tight and connect the steering colimn. Dont over tighten the clamps as thay WILL snap.

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:38 pm

" as thay WILL snap " - sounds like the voice of bitter experience there!

Post by **ssnjimb** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:42 pm

Iam getting clonking from the track rods both sides

I need to rebush the front suspension too.

I think it may be better if i get my local garage to do it and save my knuckles and pride

James

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:51 pm

Garage will charge you a fortune ! Get a firm quote before leaving the car with them. You can adjust up the track rods (or indeed renew them) - where they join the rack. Be sure to pump in some grease - may stop the 'clonking'.

Post by **sirrom** » Sun Mar 15, 2009 7:19 am

I had clunking in my front end and I thought it was track rod ends but it ended up being eye bolt bushes.

Post by **aupickup** » Sun Mar 15, 2009 7:54 am

i have had the same, redone all bushes so cant be that on mine, just going to look at the rack in a min

Post by **aupickup** » Sun Mar 15, 2009 8:58 am

is the track rod end fully tightened

dont normally have any problems with the steering rack

Post by **aupickup** » Sun Mar 15, 2009 9:35 am

must admit this thread promted me to look at the rattle, from my passenger side

i had checked dampers, trunnions so knew it could not be that

so just live4d with it for the past 4 months

just went out
check track rod ends were tight, they were ok

it turned out to be a badly worn tie bar bolt
replaced with a new one and hey the rattle is gone

so motto

check the simple items first

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Mar 15, 2009 9:53 am

These are high tensile bolts - don't just use any old bolt in there! Check the sloppy bolt hasn't worn the holes too.

Post by **aupickup** » Sun Mar 15, 2009 9:55 am

its ok bmc used an original bolt, i have had a few years ago

the hole in the tie rod was good

Post by **bmcecosse** » Sun Mar 15, 2009 10:02 am

Allen cap bolts (not screws) are good in there!