Steering rack question

[threelitre]

Hi!

The garage just rang and told me, that the MG EFi will need a new steering rack. I do have one from an MG 1600. Will that fit? Both don't have power-steering.

regards,
Alexander

[derek mclean]

Far as I know all the steering systems are completely interchangeable. If you're changing it, why not go for a power system? Biggest part of the job is getting the rack in. Fitting the pump and pipes is relatively straightforward.

Either way, go for it.

Derek.

[E_T_V]

Speaking of rack interchangability a similar question has been raised by me.

Are the power racks for monty and maesty interchangable? I know the part numbers are different but I seem to remember something about them just having differnt length "arms" which could be changed for maestro arms.

Am I talking complete rubbish or is this right? Can anyone advise please as I'd like my camper to have power steering.

[threelitre]

Thanks foor the answers. I think I will be going for the non-assisted rack. For the conversion I will nees a pump, a pulley, pipes, LHD-rack... All that stuff that is not found in every corner over here.

Cheers,
Alexander

[Crank]

There is a new power rack on ebay. £20 at the mo.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2428433095&category=10414

[derek mclean]

As far as I'm concerned all Maestros and Montegos are mechanically identical. At least all parts are interchangeable, subject to year variations and of course differences according to engine and gearbox spec.
And there are obvious differences in dashboards and management systems, but they aren nevertheless interchangeable. There's nothing to stop you fitting a MEMS system into a Maestro. All the wiring and so on would need to be transferred too, but it would fit straight in, because the cars are basically the same.
This applies equally to driveshafts, steering and suspension components, gearboxes, clutches, etc. Hubs and driveshafts changed at a certain time, and both models were subject to the change, presumably at the same time. This means that a hub assembly off a Montego will fit straight on to a Maestro of the same age and engine size. In all probability the hub, specifically, will also be the same between different engine sizes, for the same age range.
I think there may be some differences in the steering pipe routing, but it doesn't matter. Wherever the pipes fit, that's where you should put them. Just make sure you clip them up, to stop them vibrating or hanging down, and use a cooler of some kind on the return line. A piece of pipe bent round in a shape like a trombone slide and doubled over, seems to be adequate. Mine is behind the bumper, and clipped to it (M16 Monty).

Hope this helps.

Derek.