Steering Wheel Play - how much?
Discussion
I've owned my Ultima for two years now. It's just fabulous, but not perfect. One of my concerns or gripes, depending on how this thread goes, is the play in the steering system. Seems like, when on center, there is 1/4" to 3/8" (estimated not measured) bit of loose/detached play in the wheel before the rack begins to engage. Is this normal? It makes it hard to place the car as finely as I can my 997, or my FGT for that matter. And that just seems wrong.
I haven't much examined the issue other than ruling out the cv joint mid steering shaft. Or so I think. That leaves only the rack I suppose. The car has 5000 mi on it. Mostly street but some track/race miles. Generally pampered by the prior owner/builder and I.
What is a reasonable expectations and what is the typical culprit in other GTR's? I'd hate to have to spend for a new rack but it's better than sloppy steering. Perhaps the rack could be reconditioned? No leaks, oozes, tight spots.
Thx,
Verde
I haven't much examined the issue other than ruling out the cv joint mid steering shaft. Or so I think. That leaves only the rack I suppose. The car has 5000 mi on it. Mostly street but some track/race miles. Generally pampered by the prior owner/builder and I.
What is a reasonable expectations and what is the typical culprit in other GTR's? I'd hate to have to spend for a new rack but it's better than sloppy steering. Perhaps the rack could be reconditioned? No leaks, oozes, tight spots.
Thx,
Verde
I've not had the need to do it but I believe you can adjust out some of the play. There is an adjustment Nut on the side of the rack where the pinion enters.
Perhaps someone else knows the process. There will be wear in the straight ahead position so beware tightening it too much as you may find the rack becomes stiff or jams when you move away from straight ahead.
Steve
Perhaps someone else knows the process. There will be wear in the straight ahead position so beware tightening it too much as you may find the rack becomes stiff or jams when you move away from straight ahead.
Steve
Fair question. No eggs injured. I believe it is tight, but I should look more closely before moving beyond the simple fix.
Thx,
V
Thx,
V
dal2litrefrogeye said:
I hope im not telling you how to suck eggs , but have you checked the easy/cheap option , is steeringwheel tight on its spline ? and /or is the wheel tight on the boss ? I had my counter sunk hex screws come loose , and made steering feel a bit loose / ratterly , just a thought ??
I spoke to Ultima at Stoneleigh about my rack, but at some point the racks changed and the later ones are not adjustable. I think mine was on the cusp being a 2001 version. The suggestion was that it was more cost effective to get a replacement then send the old one back to the manufacturer for adjustment/rebuild - not a cheap fix as ever!
Which (besides myself of course) is the 'big nut'? Is that at the base of steering shaft where it enters the rack? I'll do a full top-to-bottom inspection this coming weekend and report back.
Thanks all,
Rich
Thanks all,
Rich
Mr Pid said:
Had a similar problem with mine..... adjusted big nut and checked all good at full lock...... worked a treat and still good 3000 miles later.... a 2005 build (registered).
I've been looking at Ultima GTRs with the intention of buying one if I can find the right car at the right price. Of 5 cars I've looked at 2 had rack problems. When moving the steering wheel from the straight ahead position to the left or right there was a knock through the column. On both cars you could see the pinion shaft moving in and out of the rack assembly so the thrust bearings were shot. Both cars had circa 7K miles which seems low for a fault like that but then the rack looks far more 'motorsport' than OEM passenger car - which is what it is I guess. The factory reckon it's better to replace the rack rather than strip an rebuild it. Neither car has much free play but one was truly scary in terms of the 'clonk' felt through the wheel....
BobE said:
I've been looking at Ultima GTRs with the intention of buying one if I can find the right car at the right price. Of 5 cars I've looked at 2 had rack problems. When moving the steering wheel from the straight ahead position to the left or right there was a knock through the column. On both cars you could see the pinion shaft moving in and out of the rack assembly so the thrust bearings were shot. Both cars had circa 7K miles which seems low for a fault like that but then the rack looks far more 'motorsport' than OEM passenger car - which is what it is I guess. The factory reckon it's better to replace the rack rather than strip an rebuild it. Neither car has much free play but one was truly scary in terms of the 'clonk' felt through the wheel....
I'm not sure the factory's position is clear here, I mentioned the play (slight knock)to them and they suggested a re-build over winter!Edited by F.C. on Wednesday 21st August 08:54
F.C. said:
I'm not sure the factory's position is clear here, I mentioned the play (slight knock)to them and they suggested a re-build over winter!
I expect it depends if you have a rebuildable rack or not. some of the more modern motorsport racks are not rebuildable (supposedly) as they use nasty nylon bushes which wear on the rack itself. the older (more expensive) ones with bronze bushes are far better as they don't wear the rack, but new bushes can be pressed in and reamed out to ensure a good fit and smooth operation.Edited by F.C. on Wednesday 21st August 08:54
if the slack in the steering is only in the straight ahead position, that indicates that the rack and pinion teeth are worn in that area. it would probably be cheaper to buy a new complete rack that get one rebuilt that needed bushes, pinion and rack when the only bit you are keeping is the cast casing
Ultima Chat | Ultima | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff