Steering rack help needed

Post by **Diamond Hell** » 06 Feb 2006, 23:38

So, it would appear I have worn some of the newness off my steering rack.

Unless anyone knows how to reduce the play in (or 'adjust') a T25 steering rack I need to know a little more than I do right now about replacing it.

T25 2WD LHD P/N 251 419 061
T25 Syncro LHD P/N 251 419 061 B

So, if anyone who has swapped out T25 Syncro racks can shed some light as to whether I can fit a 2WD rack, or whether that Syncro-specific 'B' is essential to the whole situation I would be very grateful for the information and guidance.

Cheers in advance.

Post by **matt** » 07 Feb 2006, 07:48

doesnt etka help

Post by **Diamond Hell** » 07 Feb 2006, 09:26

Sadly ETKA doesn't tell me what the physical differences are, but thanks for playing anyway, Mr Sandall.

Post by **toomanytoys** » 07 Feb 2006, 11:29

deleted
as someone cannot manage to say "nope, deffo the rack as I all ready have the powerflex bushes"

Post by **Diamond Hell** » 07 Feb 2006, 12:07

Hello? did you even read the post? The RACK is worn, not the bushes, not the track rod ends, the rack, hence I said 'the rack is worn'.

If I needed to replace the bushes or the ends I could have done that already, but it's the RACK that's worn, hence the question is about the rack.

Any actual answers about the steering rack will still be most gratefully received.

Thanks for playing all the same.

Post by **Pickles** » 07 Feb 2006, 13:50

My rack that I replaced was worn.
I f you held the internal shaft that the tie rods screw into you could waggle these back and forth, as long as the shaft is not rusty you can have the rack rebuilt. The cost was about £30 last time I checked.
If you are interested I will find the details of the company in Leeds
they also rebuild drive shafts and cv joints.

Post by **Diamond Hell** » 07 Feb 2006, 14:41

Cheers. I'll get a price on a replacement from Vee.W Services in a minute, but contact details would be helpful.

CJ confirmed that I should be able to use a 2WD rack in the van, so I may well press on....... can't be that dear, can it?

Post by **Simon Baxter** » 07 Feb 2006, 19:31

Racks aren't a fortune.
Remember that they don't come with the track rods, you buy them separate.
Also, make sure it is the rack and not the ball joints on the inside end of the tie rods as they are more common that knackered racks.
Not saying racks don't wear, just seen too many people order a rack, see it turn up without track rods then realise theres actually nothing wrong with their rack and it's the cheaper track rods thats knackered.

Give me some sarcy reply and I'll p!ss in your boots next time I see you..

Post by **matt** » 07 Feb 2006, 19:35

Give me some sarcy reply and I'll p!ss in your boots next time I see you

hehehehe

Post by **andysimpson** » 07 Feb 2006, 20:40

Simon Baxter wrote:Racks aren't a fortune.
Remember that they don't come with the track rods, you buy them separate.
Also, make sure it is the rack and not the ball joints on the inside end of the tie rods as they are more common that knackered racks.
Not saying racks don't wear, just seen too many people order a rack, see it turn up without track rods then realise theres actually nothing wrong with their rack and it's the cheaper track rods thats knackered.

Give me some sarcy reply and I'll p!ss in your boots next time I see you..

I agree, have seen this mistake many times by half wit mechanics on various cars.

Post by **Diamond Hell** » 07 Feb 2006, 23:43

Sarcy reply just out of sight.

I'll have it up on axle stands and check before I drop the rack - that said I DID check with the guy who did the MOT whether it was track rods and he was positive about it being the rack.

Post by **andysimpson** » 08 Feb 2006, 21:18

Diamond Hell wrote:Sarcy reply just out of sight.

I'll have it up on axle stands and check before I drop the rack - that said I DID check with the guy who did the MOT whether it was track rods and he was positive about it being the rack.

This was the point i am trying to make, there are loads of MOT testers that don't know their a*** from their elbow, i have worked with a few of them. Check it yourself and rule out track rods.

Post by **Hacksawbob** » 09 Feb 2006, 12:07

And the way to check for this is......

Post by **toomanytoys** » 09 Feb 2006, 12:30

I'll suggest a method.. but it will prob be wrong

Get an assistant to turn/wiggle the steering wheel 1/8th turn (or less) from straight ahead, you lay underneath and feel the track rods (ends and near the rack) keep it on the ground as jacking it up will move the bearing surfaces into a "less worn" position and may feel ok there..

Also look at the rack, the mounting bushes give a hell of a lot, so you will see the rack moving left and right.

I thought i had a lot of play in the rack/somewhere (the road wheel was slow to react to the steering wheel turning) until I got my son to wiggle the steering wheel, the rack was moving 6-8mm.... I replaced the bushes with the "upgrades" and nearly all was cured (there is a small amount of play in the straight ahead position which you can actually feel now!!!) but it has got 200k on the clock!!!

Post by **Diamond Hell** » 09 Feb 2006, 22:55

Well amazingly both I and the MOT tester were right - it IS the rack.

Having taken it off this evening there is some play in it and unless steering grease is supposed to be "pooh" brown and full of grit I'm guessing that there has been some grit ingress to accelerate the wear.

So, I need the details of the company in Leeds, please.

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Steering rack help needed

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