Power steering rack or pump replacements or refurb
Discussion
Hi,
I have a problem with my power steering on my Chimaera and before I go pulling it all apart, I thought I’d find out where I can get new or refurbished parts from.
The steering is randomly going from heavy to light, mid corner. At times it feels fine, others it feels like there’s no power steering at all. I’m going to have a look at the pump and the rack, suspect it’s the pump from what people have said.
So, any recommendations on where I can get a replacement pump or rack from? I’ve previously managed to get various parts (like starter motors) from Land Rover dealers or motor factors, for a lot less than TVR specialists, so is there an alternative part number for these parts? The car is a 1997 TVR Chimaera 400.
Thanks,
Dan
I have a problem with my power steering on my Chimaera and before I go pulling it all apart, I thought I’d find out where I can get new or refurbished parts from.
The steering is randomly going from heavy to light, mid corner. At times it feels fine, others it feels like there’s no power steering at all. I’m going to have a look at the pump and the rack, suspect it’s the pump from what people have said.
So, any recommendations on where I can get a replacement pump or rack from? I’ve previously managed to get various parts (like starter motors) from Land Rover dealers or motor factors, for a lot less than TVR specialists, so is there an alternative part number for these parts? The car is a 1997 TVR Chimaera 400.
Thanks,
Dan
The rack started leaking on my Cerb so took it off and gave to a local company to overhaul. Call next day to say they couldn't get it apart 
So, looking through PH I found a post by Siliconedkid recommending this company:
http://www.westernpowersteering.co.uk/html/recon_p...
Rang them up and they said they do a lot of racks for TVRs and they will get mine apart as they know the piece that will be seized in. They certainly inspired confidence so mine is going there as soon as I get it back from the local place.

So, looking through PH I found a post by Siliconedkid recommending this company:
http://www.westernpowersteering.co.uk/html/recon_p...
Rang them up and they said they do a lot of racks for TVRs and they will get mine apart as they know the piece that will be seized in. They certainly inspired confidence so mine is going there as soon as I get it back from the local place.
Dan, before you do start ripping into it, I'd suggest you make sure PAS reservoir is topped right up - then slowly change steering from hard over to hard over on opposite lock.
Sounds a bit like air is in the system (variable amounts of assistance)and going from full lock to full lock on the opposite side should bleed the system...but obviously you do need a full reservoir to displace air.
If this doesn't work, then yes, I'd check hoses, pump and rack.
Nick
Sounds a bit like air is in the system (variable amounts of assistance)and going from full lock to full lock on the opposite side should bleed the system...but obviously you do need a full reservoir to displace air.
If this doesn't work, then yes, I'd check hoses, pump and rack.
Nick
Recntly got min back from 'kiley clinton'. One of the two original places TVR used.
They knew about the rack, the problems and also in their refurb they fix the problem of the leaking seal with an uprgaded end and bearing. They told me that they only ever retired one rack due to damage.
Was happy with th ework they did. Rack came back shiny clean and working
They knew about the rack, the problems and also in their refurb they fix the problem of the leaking seal with an uprgaded end and bearing. They told me that they only ever retired one rack due to damage.
Was happy with th ework they did. Rack came back shiny clean and working
Right, seems it was just stiff UJs luckily. I've removed the pinch bolts and got them loose, but couldn't completely remove them. I could move the shaft back and forth, but not enough to actually remove it.
Anyway, I cleaned them up with a concoction of products I found in the garage, including carb cleaner, heavy duty boat cleaner and degreaser, white spirit and others! I them lubricated them with oil. They seem much better now, the steering is much lighter with no tight points. However, now there's some play in the steering wheel, so I assume the UJs do need replacing. I'm on my own so I can't wiggle the wheel and watch the UJs, but I assume they are what's causing the play.
Anyway, I cleaned them up with a concoction of products I found in the garage, including carb cleaner, heavy duty boat cleaner and degreaser, white spirit and others! I them lubricated them with oil. They seem much better now, the steering is much lighter with no tight points. However, now there's some play in the steering wheel, so I assume the UJs do need replacing. I'm on my own so I can't wiggle the wheel and watch the UJs, but I assume they are what's causing the play.
zed4 said:
Right, seems it was just stiff UJs luckily. I've removed the pinch bolts and got them loose, but couldn't completely remove them. I could move the shaft back and forth, but not enough to actually remove it.
Anyway, I cleaned them up with a concoction of products I found in the garage, including carb cleaner, heavy duty boat cleaner and degreaser, white spirit and others! I them lubricated them with oil. They seem much better now, the steering is much lighter with no tight points. However, now there's some play in the steering wheel, so I assume the UJs do need replacing. I'm on my own so I can't wiggle the wheel and watch the UJs, but I assume they are what's causing the play.
Dan, if/when you replace/remove UJ's slide a generic steering rack gaiter up onto the shaft where it comes out of the bulkhead. Then re-assemble with greased or new UJ, slide gaiter over UJ and zip-tie both ends of gaiter to shaft(s).Anyway, I cleaned them up with a concoction of products I found in the garage, including carb cleaner, heavy duty boat cleaner and degreaser, white spirit and others! I them lubricated them with oil. They seem much better now, the steering is much lighter with no tight points. However, now there's some play in the steering wheel, so I assume the UJs do need replacing. I'm on my own so I can't wiggle the wheel and watch the UJs, but I assume they are what's causing the play.
This keeps them muck free for much longer, and the gaiter can be bought at your local motor factors for a couple of quid.
Nick
nawarne said:
zed4 said:
Right, seems it was just stiff UJs luckily. I've removed the pinch bolts and got them loose, but couldn't completely remove them. I could move the shaft back and forth, but not enough to actually remove it.
Anyway, I cleaned them up with a concoction of products I found in the garage, including carb cleaner, heavy duty boat cleaner and degreaser, white spirit and others! I them lubricated them with oil. They seem much better now, the steering is much lighter with no tight points. However, now there's some play in the steering wheel, so I assume the UJs do need replacing. I'm on my own so I can't wiggle the wheel and watch the UJs, but I assume they are what's causing the play.
Dan, if/when you replace/remove UJ's slide a generic steering rack gaiter up onto the shaft where it comes out of the bulkhead. Then re-assemble with greased or new UJ, slide gaiter over UJ and zip-tie both ends of gaiter to shaft(s).Anyway, I cleaned them up with a concoction of products I found in the garage, including carb cleaner, heavy duty boat cleaner and degreaser, white spirit and others! I them lubricated them with oil. They seem much better now, the steering is much lighter with no tight points. However, now there's some play in the steering wheel, so I assume the UJs do need replacing. I'm on my own so I can't wiggle the wheel and watch the UJs, but I assume they are what's causing the play.
This keeps them muck free for much longer, and the gaiter can be bought at your local motor factors for a couple of quid.
Nick
I had the same, UJs were pretty much seized and it was virtually undriveable unless I was going in a straight line. This was further compounded by a collapsed PAS pipe. All sorted by Str8Six now drives very nicely.
I've still got a whine from the PAS pump so I think thats on the way out but it steers and handles perfectly now.
I've still got a whine from the PAS pump so I think thats on the way out but it steers and handles perfectly now.
nawarne said:
zed4 said:
Right, seems it was just stiff UJs luckily. I've removed the pinch bolts and got them loose, but couldn't completely remove them. I could move the shaft back and forth, but not enough to actually remove it.
Anyway, I cleaned them up with a concoction of products I found in the garage, including carb cleaner, heavy duty boat cleaner and degreaser, white spirit and others! I them lubricated them with oil. They seem much better now, the steering is much lighter with no tight points. However, now there's some play in the steering wheel, so I assume the UJs do need replacing. I'm on my own so I can't wiggle the wheel and watch the UJs, but I assume they are what's causing the play.
Dan, if/when you replace/remove UJ's slide a generic steering rack gaiter up onto the shaft where it comes out of the bulkhead. Then re-assemble with greased or new UJ, slide gaiter over UJ and zip-tie both ends of gaiter to shaft(s).Anyway, I cleaned them up with a concoction of products I found in the garage, including carb cleaner, heavy duty boat cleaner and degreaser, white spirit and others! I them lubricated them with oil. They seem much better now, the steering is much lighter with no tight points. However, now there's some play in the steering wheel, so I assume the UJs do need replacing. I'm on my own so I can't wiggle the wheel and watch the UJs, but I assume they are what's causing the play.
This keeps them muck free for much longer, and the gaiter can be bought at your local motor factors for a couple of quid.
Nick
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