Irritating rattle

[johnm]

For a very long time Maggie has exhibited a loud and persistent rattle from behind the dashboard area. I've looked for anything loose and I'm blowed if I can find it. It seems as though it could be coming from the steering rack, has anyone any bright ideas before I just replace the rack and see if it goes away

[bmcecosse]

It could be the rack - have you filled it up with oil to see if that helps ? Or you could try grease in there - the Mini rack is exactly the same design and construction but with wisdom of experience - it has grease inside instead of oil. However - the rack is lower down on the toe board - not behind the dash - check to see if the engine steady bar has broken away from the bulkhead. Or could it be the wiper rack is loose and moving about ?

[Willie]

If it is the steering rack then there are two spring loaded dampers on the
main body which are adjustable by removing shims under each of the large
securing nuts. If there are no shims then the damper pads are worn out and
new ones would be needed. Jonathon is presently making enquires has to
their availability.

[johnm]

Thanks guys, I'll look at the dampers on the rack and I'll try pumping some grease into it as well.

I'm pretty sure that the wiper's OK because I've had both glove boxes out and waggled that all mightily and it seems secure enough.

[bmcecosse]

That's a point (since you mention 'dampers') - it could be the front suspension dampers - maybe the mounting bolts have come loose and/or they have no oil in them. Check bolts and drain/refill with oil of your choice!

[alex_holden]

Thanks guys, I'll look at the dampers on the rack and I'll try pumping some grease into it as well.

The steering rack takes Hypoid 90 gear oil not grease! You have to put the oil into a grease gun and inject it through the nipple in the passenger footwell (after carefully cleaning all the grease out of course).

[bmcecosse]

Yes - we know that Alex - but i pointed out that the Mini rack (exactly same design/construction) takes grease - because they found it rattled !! So - it may be worth a go.

[minor_hickup]

BMC, i may try that on my rattly rack. I removed the dampers to find no shims on the rattly side, but theres no noticeable travel on the steering so if it stops rattles I'll try that!

[Willie]

It seems that the rack damper pads and shims are not available separately.
So,if you are satisfied that the rattle is coming from the steering rack it is
time for an exchange unit as they are quite reasonably priced.

[minor_hickup]

Well there are no shims, however there seems to be a fibre washer fitted. It looks like a new rack is in order even though there seems to be no play. However this is way down on my list of jobs for now.