wobbly steering

[methodwares]

I had the car in for a service a couple of months ago and the steering rack failed the MOT and was removed, rebuilt and replaced. Recently there is quit a bit of play 5 - 10 degrees of movement in the steering wheel. I've traced it to the rack as I can see the column twisting with the play in the steering wheel at the point it enters the rack and neither of the rod ends move. I've adjusted the backlash grub down as much as I was comfortable with and there was no change. What are the chances the rack is borked and it must come out again? Is there something else that can be adjusted?

[BliarOut]

If it does need rebuilding again use Kiley Clinton in Brum

[Tanguero]

Change the UJ in the drivers wheel arch. It lives in a hostile (wet and gritty!) environment and is a favourite for excess play at the wheel. It doesn't cost too much so its probably worth trying before you pull the rack again.

[boss1uk]

yep lower uj.....

[Basil Brush]

Have you checked the uj bolt is tight where it clamps onto the splines on the pinion input? If so then it may be play in the torsion bar assembly between the column input and the pinion, in which case it's a refurb job I think.

[methodwares]

Been back out... checked both U-joints, both are tight as are the clamp bolts. There is a platic cover rack side just below the lower u-joint clamp on the shaft coming out of the rack (dust shield for the rack seal? -- is this the pinion shaft?)... anyways, it moves with the slop in the steering, so I'm guessing the play is inside. The garage had removed the rack and had it rebuilt... is it their responsibility? I believe there is a year warrantee on it. I'm guessing I'll have to pay for labor again or rip it myself.

[Ireland]

methodwares said:

..... or rip it myself.....

It's a couple of hours work to do this but if you are in any way mechanically minded you'll manage it.