Discussion
Started to get some play in the steering over the last few days, and as far as I can tell it is the rack that has the play in it. Got Mrs Smokey Boyer to wiggle the steering wheel, and the steering column seems to respond right down to where it goes in to the rack, but there is then a delay before the arms move, preceded by a little knock sound.
Is the rack on the S3 a serviceable part / does it need adjusting / does it need greasing?
Some say that it can be tightened up by removing or adding shims under the small oval plate held on by two bolts close to where the steering column goes in to the rack. I assume this is the union between the rack and pinion.
From the information I have found the steering rack on an S3 appears to be from a chevette. Is this correct? If so, does anyone know which model of chevette, or the part number for it. Assuming my search for a replacement rack proves to be as successful as finding the end of the rainbow, what are the sensible alternatives?
Is the rack on the S3 a serviceable part / does it need adjusting / does it need greasing?
Some say that it can be tightened up by removing or adding shims under the small oval plate held on by two bolts close to where the steering column goes in to the rack. I assume this is the union between the rack and pinion.
From the information I have found the steering rack on an S3 appears to be from a chevette. Is this correct? If so, does anyone know which model of chevette, or the part number for it. Assuming my search for a replacement rack proves to be as successful as finding the end of the rainbow, what are the sensible alternatives?
There were some recent posts on this - believe Kiley Clinton are highly thought of if it need a recon.
Someone that's done it will be along soon!
Someone that's done it will be along soon!
Bit surprised the play has developed over a few days, if that's the case I would suspect the problem to be with the bulkhead bearing or the triangular plastic bush in the centre of the bearing that the column passes through. The plastic bush tends to wear and the resulting play feels like a problem with the rack. My car developed play suddenly in the steering and the plastic bush had actually fallen out of the bearing.
Rob.
Rob.
I will double check, but gripping the lowest UJ, while the wheel is wiggled, and that all seems tight.
I first noticed the play, the drive after I had done the ASDA Bruntingthorpe track sessions.
Does the rack have any fluid in. I think I am right in thinking that PAS racks have hydraulic fluid. I did notice some red fluid under the front of car a few weeks ago, but assumed it was coolant after talking to a friend, as I had just refilled it with. Could it have been something dripping out of the rack?
I am right at the limits of my knowledge here with steering racks/systems. Is that obvious? Any advice very welcome.
I first noticed the play, the drive after I had done the ASDA Bruntingthorpe track sessions.
Does the rack have any fluid in. I think I am right in thinking that PAS racks have hydraulic fluid. I did notice some red fluid under the front of car a few weeks ago, but assumed it was coolant after talking to a friend, as I had just refilled it with. Could it have been something dripping out of the rack?
I am right at the limits of my knowledge here with steering racks/systems. Is that obvious? Any advice very welcome.
Smokey Boyer said:
Does it have grease nipples so it can be refilled? Just read on a Chim forum that somebody had success, with some of the play being eliminated by refilling with grease. The following post says that the racks are sealed an cannot be filled, so now very confused.
The rack is really simple but there is no provision for re-filling other than undoing and sliding off the gaiters. This does however give you some idea of the condition. Take a look at google images for steering racks to get an idea of what's inside, the TVR s rack is about as simple as they get.From the information I have found the steering rack on an S3 appears to be from a chevette. Is this correct? If so, does anyone know which model of chevette, or the part number for it. Assuming my search for a replacement rack proves to be as successful as finding the end of the rainbow, what are the sensible alternatives?
Anyone any ideas on this?
Anyone any ideas on this?
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