the jiggle is not so bad and it doesn't make any noise, and apart from checking it from under the car you don't notice anything strange while driving it.
thanks!
steering rack problems
Moderator: martauto
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michael24m
- E30 Zone Newbie
- Posts: 123
- Joined: Sun Jul 31, 2005 11:00 pm
i have some problems with the tie rods rattling straight from the steering rack link both on the left and on the right side. just failed the MOT because of that. i went to a service and they diagnosed me with a bad steering rack and in need of a replacement. is there anyway i can fix the steering rack or just sort it so i can pass the MOT?
the jiggle is not so bad and it doesn't make any noise, and apart from checking it from under the car you don't notice anything strange while driving it.
thanks!
the jiggle is not so bad and it doesn't make any noise, and apart from checking it from under the car you don't notice anything strange while driving it.
thanks!
Last edited by michael24m on Sat Feb 25, 2006 9:01 am, edited 2 times in total.
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eko
- Old timer
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- Joined: Sat Feb 05, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: South Devon
No steering box on an E30 mate,its rack and pinion!
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michael24m
- E30 Zone Newbie
- Posts: 123
- Joined: Sun Jul 31, 2005 11:00 pm
sorry,the RACK AND PINION STEERING the STEERING RACK then
the steering box must be then the one with the worm gears and all
the steering box must be then the one with the worm gears and all
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eko
- Old timer
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- Location: South Devon
so are you saying the track rod ends are loose in the end of the rack?
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michael24m
- E30 Zone Newbie
- Posts: 123
- Joined: Sun Jul 31, 2005 11:00 pm
yes, exactly that's the place were it jiggles, both on the left and right sides of the rack. is it that worse that it needs the complete rack replacement?
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michael24m
- E30 Zone Newbie
- Posts: 123
- Joined: Sun Jul 31, 2005 11:00 pm
so guys, anybody is this a must new steering rack case?
the jiggle is small and can not be felt while the car is on it's wheels, no play in the steering at all.
the jiggle is small and can not be felt while the car is on it's wheels, no play in the steering at all.
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Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member
- Posts: 49360
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
If the MOT inspector picked it up then there must be play in the rack, and I wouldn't be happy driving around with worn steering. It's one of the things that I rate as quite important on a car.
The track rods are available and replaceable seperately, but it would be better to get a complete second hand rack.
Manual or power?
It's curious that both joints have failed together. East enough to inspect them. Just remove whatever secures the inner ends of the rubber bellows on the rack ends, pull them back and look.
Cable ties can be used to resecure them.
The track rods are available and replaceable seperately, but it would be better to get a complete second hand rack.
Manual or power?
It's curious that both joints have failed together. East enough to inspect them. Just remove whatever secures the inner ends of the rubber bellows on the rack ends, pull them back and look.
Cable ties can be used to resecure them.
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Jamesb318is
- E30 Zone Regular
- Posts: 620
- Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: East Sussex
This 'play' MAY just be in the steering knuckle joints. They bolt onto the steering rack ends, then the tie - rods screw onto them. They are a ball and socket type joint and are contained within the rubber gaitors. To replace you simply take the tie- rods off, remove the gaitors, and unbolt the knuckles, then reassemble and do the tracking.
To make sure, you need to remove the gaitors, or feel inside them while someone is shaking the wheel left/right (best done up on a ramp) so you can feel where th play is.
To make sure, you need to remove the gaitors, or feel inside them while someone is shaking the wheel left/right (best done up on a ramp) so you can feel where th play is.
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Templ8e30
- E30 Zone Addict
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- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
- Location: Ashton-under-Lyne, Lancashire
My wife's 316i failed on a worn steering rack, on closer inspection the rack was fine but the track rodswere shot. They have a ball joint at the rack end and these were well worn. Cured for about Ԛ£40.
Cheers,
Iain T
Cheers,
Iain T
2007 Mazda 6 2.0 estate
Political Correctness - A concept based on the idea that its possible to pick up a turd by the clean end !
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michael24m
- E30 Zone Newbie
- Posts: 123
- Joined: Sun Jul 31, 2005 11:00 pm
i checked it over again and while holding the ball joint with my hand i noticed the play is not in the ball joints, but further into the rack.
the play is between these red arrowed parts at the link below:
http://24rsk.thor.prohosting.com/M20Engine/rackpl.htm
the play is between these red arrowed parts at the link below:
http://24rsk.thor.prohosting.com/M20Engine/rackpl.htm
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Brianmoooore
- E30 Zone Team Member
- Posts: 49360
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
If that's sideways play, then the rack is worn.
Looks like it's a manual rack, so just change it. You'll get one off someone on the zone for a few pounds.
Looks like it's a manual rack, so just change it. You'll get one off someone on the zone for a few pounds.
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michael24m
- E30 Zone Newbie
- Posts: 123
- Joined: Sun Jul 31, 2005 11:00 pm
actually the play is in a vertical plan, kind off like in the arrows direction, and the steering is very acurate, no lag at all at the wheels, and doesn't wonder around, that's why i'm puzzled what to do with this.