Steering problem

[hornmeister2000]

Hi all,

I've got a problem with H224 in that there's an increasing amount of play in the steering, which has happened particularly since I drove 300 miles with the wheels shaking (long story). That problem is now fixed, but I think it might have damaged the steering. So... I have 2 choices:

1) Go to my usual garage who are expensive. Although they do a good job, I am constantly surprised by the size of the bill :banghead:

2) Go to www.power-steering.co.uk in Greenwich who will fit a reconditioned rack for £215+VAT. I have no idea if these guys are any good - just found them on the web

Can anyone give me some guidance on what a job like this should cost, and if anyone's ever used these guys?

Thanks,

Neil

[E_T_V]

First thing to do is have a look yourself at where the play is in the system.

It is entirely possible that it is merely a loose track rod or worn bottom ball joint, (Both DIY fixable). Jack the car up and support it on axle stands and with the help of an assistant try locating what is actually giving the play in the steering. To do this try moving the wheel from left to right whilst keeping the steering wheel still. This should show up any movement in the track rod ends. Also take a look at the bottom ball joint that locates the hub to the wishbone. These do tend to wear (before steering racks usually).

I'd try and find the fault yourself before you decide on how to fix it then you can decide on who should do the work etc.

[MG MAL]

Hornmeister,
See my thread titled "prices?" re the cost of a recon power rack (if it turns out that the rack is damaged/worn).

If it is just a track rod that is badly worn , I have recently got hold of a genuine rover Track rod kit, which includes the replacement track rod, gaitor, and clips ready to fit.

It could also be that the Track rod ends need replacing after you're "Wheel Shaking", which is easy enough and are around £7 each.

My local friendly factor managed to get me an exchange Power rack from "EuroRack's" for £120.(exchange)

If you do need to replace the entire rack, and cannot get some one locally to locate one for you. drop me a PM.

Mal.

[hornmeister2000]

Thanks for the advice. Any idea how much fitting should be (in hours)?

[G Force]

Hi, check also that the play is not in the steering wheel by checking that the large nut that holds the wheel is not loose. Also there are pinch bolts in the universal joint that attatches to the steering rack, sometimes they can appear tight but you have to tighten them further to actually get the UJ to grip the splines of the steering rack.

Cheers Gary :)

[MG MAL]

Fitting was around 2 hours, but as it was done at my mates work , it only cost me £40 + a bargain bucket!

(This included a 4 wheel lazer tracking check)

Averedge hourly rates for garages up here, are around £35-£45 P/H.

It can be done at home, but you would need to get the front end up as high as possible, as you will need to "lower" the subframe and the exhaust down pipe to get better clearance for removal.

Mal.

[Dave]

Nothing to do with me, but just stumbled over these on ebay:

Ebay Steering Rack 1 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10414&item=4550525260&rd=1)

Ebay Steering Rack 2 (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10414&item=4550525260&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)

Dave

[E_T_V]

Removing the rack doesn't require the sub frame or downpipe to be removed or lowered. Well at least it didn't when we fitted one to Jons EFI. Removal and fitting I'd guess at 3 hours. It is certainly a half day job at home on the driveway.

[MG MAL]

Thats why it only took him a max of 2 hours Dan.
(we had a cuppa half way through)

By lowering the sub frame and disconecting the down pipe from the manifold, gave that little bit of extra room needed for a quicker change over.

And the 2 hour's taken included tracking the car up afterwards. :thumbup:

Mal.