How much play in steering rack?

[David53]

Just wondering how much free play is acceptable in the steering rack? On mine with the car standing flat and front wheels chocked the steering wheel can be gently waggled about half an inch or so before any movement is detected at the tie rods, with a helper waggling the wheel and me looking underneath with a torch. Gently increasing the "waggle" results in the LH arm moving, then the RH. All front end components are new having just been replaced, including the track rod end ball joints. Should there be any play at all, and can it be adjusted out without pulling the whole rack out?

[MarkyB]

There are inner track rod ends under the gaiters that can be adjusted by removing shims.

It might even be possible to take the rack out and put it back so the wear is away from the pinion.

[Alec]

Hello David,

there is usually a pad adjustmeny on the pinion to reduce backlash, but I don't know if it is accessible without removing the rack. The other wear area is the tube ends which if excessive would be an MOT fail and is not really a DIY job to repair. As always getting a copy of a workshop manual is recommended?

Alec
PS, check that the steering column is tight on it's splines where it joins the rack.

[David53]

Thanks, yes I have the manual and have done a lot of work on the car but nowhere in the manual does it give any indication of how much free play should be evident at the wheel. The car feels tight and firm to steer on the road, but there is this tiny amount of play if you waggle the wheel gently with the front wheels chocked

[Alec]

Hello David,

it is rather subjective, but there shouldn't be any perceptible back lash between the rack and pinion. As stated earlier there are a coulpe of other wear points that could be the problem rather than the rack and if these are eliminated or acceptable then the steering is as it should be.

Alec

[mike.perry]

There will be a little give in the tyre sidewalls when you wiggle the steering wheel. Make sure that the steering wheel is bolted down tight

[David53]

Yes the steering wheel is tight on the column, and the column is very tight on the splines to the rack. Doubt it's sidewalls as there is movement at the wheel before the track rods start to move. As I say, only half an inch or so but feel pretty sure it shouldn't be there

[MarkyB]

Checking the inner ball joints is an easy but messy job.
Give the area a good clean before you start as you don't want to get any dirt in the rack, then undo the large end of the gaiter and pull it back to reveal the inner joint.
You'll also be able to see if the rack itself is sloppy in its bushes.
If you can get someone to waggle the wheel while you have your hand on the rack where the play is coming from should be detectable.

There should be oil (or grease) in the gaiter and rack housing.

[kennatt]

see here http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual/contents.htm 13mm is the failure point

[xpress]

I don't think there should be any free play.

Shims?

[MarkyB]

I wouldn't expect any noticeable play either, are there any clonks when you rock the steering?

[David53]

No, no "klonks". It just takes quarter of an inch or so in each direction before the tie rod ends move. I suspect something is worn, either the inner track rod joints or the rack itself.

[bmcecosse]

You're never going to be happy till you take it out and tighten up all the adjustments. Best get hands on another rack - and do a swap.......after overhauling it, of course.

[Neil MG]

It does sound like a worn rack and pinion and if that is the case you probably need a "new" rack as I am not aware of replacement parts.

BUT, you can check the play when the steering wheel is rotated in either direction by 180 degrees. If it is the rack and pinion that is worn, then there should be much less play in this position. You should be able to see the wear, especially on the rack when you disassemble it.

If there is not much difference you can check the end play on the pinion shaft, the tightness of the track rod ball joints and the adjustment of the rack damper, all of which are adjusted with shims.

Another thing to note is that (very) early racks did not have the additional damping pad at the support end of the rack and this was a recommended fit "In cases where steering rack rattle has developed due to the clearance between the rack and its housing increasing in use to an extent beyond normal,..."

[xpress]

you can reuse the rods on a new rack (if you can get them out!)