Does anywhere actually SELL steering racks for Cerbs?
Discussion
I know there are a number of places who refurbish Cerbera steering racks but is there anywhere that actually sells them?
Mine is leaking (yet again) and from what I've seen of it I really don't think a refurb or a service-exchange is an option.
Whoever took it apart before I got the car feally made a mess of it.
They scored all the shafts where the seals work really badly.
I'll probably end up spending a bit of time on my own rack to try getting the shafts machined smooth to see if it can be sorted but I'd be happier taking that on knowing I have another rack in the car ..... just in case it all goes pear shaped.
I've stuck a wanted ad in the classifieds but reckoned I'd ask here as well.
Mine is leaking (yet again) and from what I've seen of it I really don't think a refurb or a service-exchange is an option.
Whoever took it apart before I got the car feally made a mess of it.
They scored all the shafts where the seals work really badly.
I'll probably end up spending a bit of time on my own rack to try getting the shafts machined smooth to see if it can be sorted but I'd be happier taking that on knowing I have another rack in the car ..... just in case it all goes pear shaped.
I've stuck a wanted ad in the classifieds but reckoned I'd ask here as well.
I spoke to http://www.titan.uk.net
about having one offs made for tuscan race cars, so they should be able to make something for a cerb. the prices weren't to bad for one offs either
G
about having one offs made for tuscan race cars, so they should be able to make something for a cerb. the prices weren't to bad for one offs either
G
Another vote for Kiley-Clinton (after three prior failed rebuilds!!) Give them a call and have a chat, I think you'll like how they come across. I *think* it's Pete who served his apprenticeship with Burman. They're not chancers who rebuild PAS, they really do know their stuff 
ETA: Change your flexible pipes when the rack is out, they fail internally and contribute to further failures. I've fitted a magnefine filter in the return line of mine too.
ETA: Change your flexible pipes when the rack is out, they fail internally and contribute to further failures. I've fitted a magnefine filter in the return line of mine too.
Edited by BliarOut on Tuesday 8th June 12:21
As far as I understand it the issue with rebuilt steering racks is that the internal bar has corrosion on it due to ingress of water and this is rarely removed and as a result rubs on the new internal seals like sandpaper and so causes the early failures. Anther issue is caused by the threads stripping off the alloy casing and need to be 'glued' back on when reassembled which I guess is another weak point.
There were new PAS bodies available from TVR but they were loaded into the lorries that recently took everything to Germany. The only alternative is for someone to either source a new rack, get one made or find a way to properly refurb the existing ones.
There were new PAS bodies available from TVR but they were loaded into the lorries that recently took everything to Germany. The only alternative is for someone to either source a new rack, get one made or find a way to properly refurb the existing ones.
Kiley Clinton have looked into the problem and can reliably rebuild racks. They modify the Griff one with an extra o-ring groove to remove the thread leakage issue plus they do another mod which I've been asked not to discuss, but it is worthwhile. From my chat with them a lot of us (me included) don't swap the flexible pipes when we rebuild hence keeping part of the cause in place. Swapping them and including a filter greatly increases the longevity post rebuild.
The Griff one is a 'poor' design but the subtle mods they make do help.
The Griff one is a 'poor' design but the subtle mods they make do help.
Blairout, my racks been gently leaking for a while now, and sooner or later I've got to do it, or take it somewhere. But there are two things that really do stop me in my tracks.
1) Handing it over to a company that can tell you its beyond repair and they've thrown it away which is whats happened to some people. Noone gets to find out the how's or why's, or even if they've just given it to a junior whos effectively screwed it getting it apart.
2) Telling everyone the problems solved but they won't say how, or what improvements they are doing, is a personal favourite of mine. I'm afraid I would never use, or recommend a company on this basis because it could all be magic dust.
If this company has solved the problem with their mod then I expect at least a five year guarantee, which is effectivly what Dom had to do with his rebuilt six engine. Do we know what guarantee is given by this company?
If they aren't offering a five year guarantee, and won't give me any confidence by showing me what they are doing then I'm not sure I would go with them.
I'm still of the opinion that if someone liek ireland could take a rack apart, or if someone has an old supposidly knackered rack and gives it to me, I'll take it apart, photo it and show it on here so we can see what the problems are.
The worst I could think is whats been said before, that the rack or barrel gets rusty and pitts causing destruction of the new seals.
This causes me even more distrust as any company that would put a new seal on while looking at a pitted barrel is just negligent.
For the massive cost new racks seem to be commanding it must be possible to hardface and regrind a barrel or rack if its accessible by modest equipment.
1) Handing it over to a company that can tell you its beyond repair and they've thrown it away which is whats happened to some people. Noone gets to find out the how's or why's, or even if they've just given it to a junior whos effectively screwed it getting it apart.
2) Telling everyone the problems solved but they won't say how, or what improvements they are doing, is a personal favourite of mine. I'm afraid I would never use, or recommend a company on this basis because it could all be magic dust.
If this company has solved the problem with their mod then I expect at least a five year guarantee, which is effectivly what Dom had to do with his rebuilt six engine. Do we know what guarantee is given by this company?
If they aren't offering a five year guarantee, and won't give me any confidence by showing me what they are doing then I'm not sure I would go with them.
I'm still of the opinion that if someone liek ireland could take a rack apart, or if someone has an old supposidly knackered rack and gives it to me, I'll take it apart, photo it and show it on here so we can see what the problems are.
The worst I could think is whats been said before, that the rack or barrel gets rusty and pitts causing destruction of the new seals.
This causes me even more distrust as any company that would put a new seal on while looking at a pitted barrel is just negligent.
For the massive cost new racks seem to be commanding it must be possible to hardface and regrind a barrel or rack if its accessible by modest equipment.
Barkychoc said:
Has anyone asked Kiley Clinton about the possibility of a new rack?
If they are the Steering Rack oracle then even if they can't manufacture they may know who can.
The problem with new racks (the same as the TVR ones) that would fit I imagine comes down to the cost of getting the bodies cast and machined. I imagine the best route would be to find a similar sized/spec rack that's available from Ford or Vauxhall and then creating a fitting kit to go with it.If they are the Steering Rack oracle then even if they can't manufacture they may know who can.
Titan can manufacture racks to order, but the power assistance is an issue and I like having it on mine 
I can't speak for Kiley but speak to them yourself, they're engineers and they were very good when I dealt with them. They can do things like hard chroming and grinding which most "rebuilders" can't.
I know the feeling of will it or won't it last, I'm on my fourth rebuild. Their advice about changing the pipes and adding a filter stands IMO whoever does your rebuild.
I can't speak for Kiley but speak to them yourself, they're engineers and they were very good when I dealt with them. They can do things like hard chroming and grinding which most "rebuilders" can't.
I know the feeling of will it or won't it last, I'm on my fourth rebuild. Their advice about changing the pipes and adding a filter stands IMO whoever does your rebuild.
I guess the other problem is that nowadays most racks are bulkhead mounted as an improvement in safety - so the steering column doesn't go through your chest in an impact.
I presume therefore that any alternative rack would be limited to older stuff thats already been made where the rack is mounted well forward - and as nothing has been found yet I think its unlikely that something will turn up that already exists.
The only slight glimmer I tried to investigate a while back is this.
The TVR rack can trace its roots back to a vauxhall chevette manual rack with ford and I believe lotus components to make the track rods longer and extend the position of the inner ball joints further out (the ones inside the gaiter).
There is a power steering version of this rack - in the chevrolet chevette amongst others - but its left hand drive.
I haven't really taken this any further, I guess there may be RHD versions of the rack but its an old model now so finding one would be a major challenge let alone the rework required, so this is probably totally useless information but I thought I'd share it anyway as I'm full of it!
This might help if you are trying to work out the right hand drive equivalents.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vauxhall_Chevette
Chris
I presume therefore that any alternative rack would be limited to older stuff thats already been made where the rack is mounted well forward - and as nothing has been found yet I think its unlikely that something will turn up that already exists.
The only slight glimmer I tried to investigate a while back is this.
The TVR rack can trace its roots back to a vauxhall chevette manual rack with ford and I believe lotus components to make the track rods longer and extend the position of the inner ball joints further out (the ones inside the gaiter).
There is a power steering version of this rack - in the chevrolet chevette amongst others - but its left hand drive.
I haven't really taken this any further, I guess there may be RHD versions of the rack but its an old model now so finding one would be a major challenge let alone the rework required, so this is probably totally useless information but I thought I'd share it anyway as I'm full of it!
This might help if you are trying to work out the right hand drive equivalents.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vauxhall_Chevette
Chris
Edited by Barkychoc on Wednesday 9th June 21:05
julian64 said:
Blairout, my racks been gently leaking for a while now, and sooner or later I've got to do it, or take it somewhere. But there are two things that really do stop me in my tracks.
1) Handing it over to a company that can tell you its beyond repair and they've thrown it away which is whats happened to some people. Noone gets to find out the how's or why's, or even if they've just given it to a junior whos effectively screwed it getting it apart.
2) Telling everyone the problems solved but they won't say how, or what improvements they are doing, is a personal favourite of mine. I'm afraid I would never use, or recommend a company on this basis because it could all be magic dust.
If this company has solved the problem with their mod then I expect at least a five year guarantee, which is effectivly what Dom had to do with his rebuilt six engine. Do we know what guarantee is given by this company?
If they aren't offering a five year guarantee, and won't give me any confidence by showing me what they are doing then I'm not sure I would go with them.
I'm still of the opinion that if someone liek ireland could take a rack apart, or if someone has an old supposidly knackered rack and gives it to me, I'll take it apart, photo it and show it on here so we can see what the problems are.
The worst I could think is whats been said before, that the rack or barrel gets rusty and pitts causing destruction of the new seals.
This causes me even more distrust as any company that would put a new seal on while looking at a pitted barrel is just negligent.
For the massive cost new racks seem to be commanding it must be possible to hardface and regrind a barrel or rack if its accessible by modest equipment.
Julian, instead of speculating, give KC a ring, speak to Roger Clinton - I think it's Roger - and talk to him 1) Handing it over to a company that can tell you its beyond repair and they've thrown it away which is whats happened to some people. Noone gets to find out the how's or why's, or even if they've just given it to a junior whos effectively screwed it getting it apart.
2) Telling everyone the problems solved but they won't say how, or what improvements they are doing, is a personal favourite of mine. I'm afraid I would never use, or recommend a company on this basis because it could all be magic dust.
If this company has solved the problem with their mod then I expect at least a five year guarantee, which is effectivly what Dom had to do with his rebuilt six engine. Do we know what guarantee is given by this company?
If they aren't offering a five year guarantee, and won't give me any confidence by showing me what they are doing then I'm not sure I would go with them.
I'm still of the opinion that if someone liek ireland could take a rack apart, or if someone has an old supposidly knackered rack and gives it to me, I'll take it apart, photo it and show it on here so we can see what the problems are.
The worst I could think is whats been said before, that the rack or barrel gets rusty and pitts causing destruction of the new seals.
This causes me even more distrust as any company that would put a new seal on while looking at a pitted barrel is just negligent.
For the massive cost new racks seem to be commanding it must be possible to hardface and regrind a barrel or rack if its accessible by modest equipment.
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