Chimaera 500 - Steering rack problems
Discussion
Hi guys,
My 1995 Chimaera 500 is currently at Lloyds Specialist Development for a full Canems upgrade, together with some other bits and bobs.
During the works they discovered my N/S inter track joint was work, and they ordered a new part. Unfortunately it didn't fit, as apparently my car is fitted with a rare manual steering rack that apparently was used on c. 50 cars of so. The inner steering rack joint has a female threaded fitting with spring-loaded ball whereas all the available TVR inner steering rack joints have a male threaded fitting with a sealed joint. Length is the same at 335mm.
Problem now is that we probably need to replace the entire steering rack for the more common manual rack (part no. TVR H0148). Also, now these racks only seem to come as reconditioned rather than new, and the parts supplier does not want to take my rack in exchange. Result: at least £1200+ ex VAT just for a reconditioned rack, which seems a bit absurd.
Anybody else encountered this problem, or has any smart solutions/suggestions?
My 1995 Chimaera 500 is currently at Lloyds Specialist Development for a full Canems upgrade, together with some other bits and bobs.
During the works they discovered my N/S inter track joint was work, and they ordered a new part. Unfortunately it didn't fit, as apparently my car is fitted with a rare manual steering rack that apparently was used on c. 50 cars of so. The inner steering rack joint has a female threaded fitting with spring-loaded ball whereas all the available TVR inner steering rack joints have a male threaded fitting with a sealed joint. Length is the same at 335mm.
Problem now is that we probably need to replace the entire steering rack for the more common manual rack (part no. TVR H0148). Also, now these racks only seem to come as reconditioned rather than new, and the parts supplier does not want to take my rack in exchange. Result: at least £1200+ ex VAT just for a reconditioned rack, which seems a bit absurd.
Anybody else encountered this problem, or has any smart solutions/suggestions?
ClassicChimaera said:
Look up Suburu Steering rack upgrade. P/S but it's a good solution for when the Tvr racks become obsolete.
I've driven a Tvr with said rack and it was very good. Virtually the same as the Tvr p/s rack but more precise.
As Alun says above.I've driven a Tvr with said rack and it was very good. Virtually the same as the Tvr p/s rack but more precise.
Did mine for less then £300.00.
AdriaanB said:
Hi guys,
My 1995 Chimaera 500 is currently at Lloyds Specialist Development for a full Canems upgrade, together with some other bits and bobs.
During the works they discovered my N/S inter track joint was work, and they ordered a new part. Unfortunately it didn't fit, as apparently my car is fitted with a rare manual steering rack that apparently was used on c. 50 cars of so. The inner steering rack joint has a female threaded fitting with spring-loaded ball whereas all the available TVR inner steering rack joints have a male threaded fitting with a sealed joint. Length is the same at 335mm.
Problem now is that we probably need to replace the entire steering rack for the more common manual rack (part no. TVR H0148). Also, now these racks only seem to come as reconditioned rather than new, and the parts supplier does not want to take my rack in exchange. Result: at least £1200+ ex VAT just for a reconditioned rack, which seems a bit absurd.
Anybody else encountered this problem, or has any smart solutions/suggestions?
Can you post a picture of the worn part and replacement part?My 1995 Chimaera 500 is currently at Lloyds Specialist Development for a full Canems upgrade, together with some other bits and bobs.
During the works they discovered my N/S inter track joint was work, and they ordered a new part. Unfortunately it didn't fit, as apparently my car is fitted with a rare manual steering rack that apparently was used on c. 50 cars of so. The inner steering rack joint has a female threaded fitting with spring-loaded ball whereas all the available TVR inner steering rack joints have a male threaded fitting with a sealed joint. Length is the same at 335mm.
Problem now is that we probably need to replace the entire steering rack for the more common manual rack (part no. TVR H0148). Also, now these racks only seem to come as reconditioned rather than new, and the parts supplier does not want to take my rack in exchange. Result: at least £1200+ ex VAT just for a reconditioned rack, which seems a bit absurd.
Anybody else encountered this problem, or has any smart solutions/suggestions?
In my head I can see a female threaded part that needs shortening and then a male stud wound in to create what's needed?
AdriaanB said:
Hi guys,
My 1995 Chimaera 500 is currently at Lloyds Specialist Development for a full Canems upgrade, together with some other bits and bobs.
During the works they discovered my N/S inter track joint was work, and they ordered a new part. Unfortunately it didn't fit, as apparently my car is fitted with a rare manual steering rack that apparently was used on c. 50 cars of so. The inner steering rack joint has a female threaded fitting with spring-loaded ball whereas all the available TVR inner steering rack joints have a male threaded fitting with a sealed joint. Length is the same at 335mm.
Problem now is that we probably need to replace the entire steering rack for the more common manual rack (part no. TVR H0148). Also, now these racks only seem to come as reconditioned rather than new, and the parts supplier does not want to take my rack in exchange. Result: at least £1200+ ex VAT just for a reconditioned rack, which seems a bit absurd.
Anybody else encountered this problem, or has any smart solutions/suggestions?
Can you post a picture of the worn part and replacement part?My 1995 Chimaera 500 is currently at Lloyds Specialist Development for a full Canems upgrade, together with some other bits and bobs.
During the works they discovered my N/S inter track joint was work, and they ordered a new part. Unfortunately it didn't fit, as apparently my car is fitted with a rare manual steering rack that apparently was used on c. 50 cars of so. The inner steering rack joint has a female threaded fitting with spring-loaded ball whereas all the available TVR inner steering rack joints have a male threaded fitting with a sealed joint. Length is the same at 335mm.
Problem now is that we probably need to replace the entire steering rack for the more common manual rack (part no. TVR H0148). Also, now these racks only seem to come as reconditioned rather than new, and the parts supplier does not want to take my rack in exchange. Result: at least £1200+ ex VAT just for a reconditioned rack, which seems a bit absurd.
Anybody else encountered this problem, or has any smart solutions/suggestions?
In my head I can see a female threaded part that needs shortening and then a male stud wound in to create what's needed?
This one is for sale...........
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/parts-and-p...
or contact Kiley Clinton for help.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/parts-and-p...
or contact Kiley Clinton for help.
Edited by Hedgehopper on Monday 27th March 17:50
If you've just had a Canems system installed you're a good part of the way to implementing electric power steering, the ECU is designed to work with the Vauxhall system to give you speed sensitive assistance.
1. Buy that £100 manual rack in the PH classifieds
2. Have it reconditioned
3. Have Lloyds give you electric power steering
1. Buy that £100 manual rack in the PH classifieds
2. Have it reconditioned
3. Have Lloyds give you electric power steering
RobXjcoupe said:
Can you post a picture of the worn part and replacement part?
In my head I can see a female threaded part that needs shortening and then a male stud wound in to create what's needed?
Yes, agree. A good garage or engineeing shop should be able to make up a part that would convert from one to the other.In my head I can see a female threaded part that needs shortening and then a male stud wound in to create what's needed?
Garages seem to only want to replace parts these days.
I have a manual rack for sale Part no. TVR H-0103 MCD in great condition. I've upgraded to an electric Subaru rack so now surplus to requirements. PM me if interested.
Edit: Looks like I also have the inner steering joints you need too. Are these the same as yours?
Edit: Looks like I also have the inner steering joints you need too. Are these the same as yours?
Edited by Fenderer on Wednesday 29th March 13:47
taylormj4 said:
RobXjcoupe said:
Can you post a picture of the worn part and replacement part?
In my head I can see a female threaded part that needs shortening and then a male stud wound in to create what's needed?
Yes, agree. A good garage or engineeing shop should be able to make up a part that would convert from one to the other.In my head I can see a female threaded part that needs shortening and then a male stud wound in to create what's needed?
Garages seem to only want to replace parts these days.
Fenderer said:
I have a manual rack for sale Part no. TVR H-0103 MCD in great condition. I've upgraded to an electric Subaru rack so now surplus to requirements. PM me if interested.
Edit: Looks like I also have the inner steering joints you need too. Are these the same as yours?
Thanks, but indeed that's the current rack I have, so unfortunately wouldn't solve the problem. The rack advertised on PH is the one I'm after, so many thanks guys for sharing that, I'll order it tomorrow and hopefully have a good working rack end of next week!Edit: Looks like I also have the inner steering joints you need too. Are these the same as yours?
Edited by Fenderer on Wednesday 29th March 13:47
Not sure if this is of help, I think I have the same rack.and I could'nt identify the manufacturer
It got an advisory on the MOT for play on both inner joints,I tried repacking them with fresh grease which cured one.
The other one would'nt tighten enough, so i used a very thin plastic washer behind the cup which gave me enough to clamp it a little tighter.
This was about 3 years ago, it's been ok ever since, but I have only done about 5k miles since then.
It got an advisory on the MOT for play on both inner joints,I tried repacking them with fresh grease which cured one.
The other one would'nt tighten enough, so i used a very thin plastic washer behind the cup which gave me enough to clamp it a little tighter.
This was about 3 years ago, it's been ok ever since, but I have only done about 5k miles since then.
Fenderer said:
I have a manual rack for sale Part no. TVR H-0103 MCD in great condition. I've upgraded to an electric Subaru rack so now surplus to requirements. PM me if interested.
Edit: Looks like I also have the inner steering joints you need too. Are these the same as yours?
Hello there,Edit: Looks like I also have the inner steering joints you need too. Are these the same as yours?
Edited by Fenderer on Wednesday 29th March 13:47
I know this thread is old but I happen to be in the same situation with this "unusual track rod". Fenderer, do you happen to still have that steering rack available by any chance?
ChimpOnGas said:
If you've just had a Canems system installed you're a good part of the way to implementing electric power steering, the ECU is designed to work with the Vauxhall system to give you speed sensitive assistance.
1. Buy that £100 manual rack in the PH classifieds
2. Have it reconditioned
3. Have Lloyds give you electric power steering
How much does that cost ?1. Buy that £100 manual rack in the PH classifieds
2. Have it reconditioned
3. Have Lloyds give you electric power steering
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