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replacing steering rack etc how difficult is it.
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:22 pm
by ssnjimb
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
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:28 pm
by bmcecosse
It can be done - bit fiddly, but not impossible. Why does it need changing ?
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:30 pm
by PAULJ
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.
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:38 pm
by bmcecosse
" as thay WILL snap " - sounds like the voice of bitter experience there!
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:42 pm
by ssnjimb
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
Posted: Sat Mar 14, 2009 10:51 pm
by bmcecosse
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'.
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 7:19 am
by sirrom
I had clunking in my front end and I thought it was track rod ends but it ended up being eye bolt bushes.
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 7:54 am
by aupickup
i have had the same, redone all bushes so cant be that on mine, just going to look at the rack in a min
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 8:58 am
by aupickup
is the track rod end fully tightened
dont normally have any problems with the steering rack
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 9:35 am
by aupickup
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
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 9:53 am
by bmcecosse
These are high tensile bolts - don't just use any old bolt in there! Check the sloppy bolt hasn't worn the holes too.
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 9:55 am
by aupickup
its ok bmc used an original bolt, i have had a few years ago
the hole in the tie rod was good
Posted: Sun Mar 15, 2009 10:02 am
by bmcecosse
Allen cap bolts (not screws) are good in there!