Steering rack serial number

[Litcoat]

Alright all,
The mot is due on my car and the steering rack is leaking pretty badly, so a guaranteed failure, I'm trying to sort things out and get replacement parts, I've got a number on top of the rack TVR H/0220 or the end O may be a 9 , very difficult to see under the centre manifold, is this the serial number, I've been on the TVR car parts site and there racks numbers are all H03 plus the rest of the code , nothing like mine,, the car is a 98 chimaera with power steering, anybody have any thoughts?
Cheers Mark

[N7GTX]

I think H0229 is the part number for power steering racks from later cars. If you Google that number you will find it listed as such.

[TunnelSoundtrack]

Hi Litcoat, I did a self-restoration on my 99 Chimaera PS rack.
I understood from the start that I would be doing this at my own risk.
I can supply some advice if you are prepared to attempt this at your own risk.

[Litcoat]

I wouldn't mind giving it a go, I've now got the bible and a rather excellent car lift, £400 seems to be involved no matter which company you contact and that's just to refurbish your own rack. What code was on your rack? I spoke to tvr car parts and they said that my rack H0229 is the same as their H0362R rack but there aren't any available. Are these codes similar to yours, if you could let me know if there are any special tools required and any particular seal kit.

Cheers Mark

[TunnelSoundtrack]

I am sorry I didn’t resort to codes.
Due to the age of the car I went to one of the major Chim spares providers for their modified supporting end cap and their current supply seal kit and separate pinion seal. However, if you want to go the whole hog and reseal the input assembly there is a specialist seal supplier I can direct you to.

I believed its worth an attempt based on my following circumstances.
My car is not required as a daily user.
From the start I set no timescale for completion.
I did not want to replace my rack with any kind of non-original part or solution.
At first level of non-intrusive (in car) fault finding, the only evident fault, oil leaking into nearside track rod rubber boot.
Closer inspection revealed localised pitting on main shaft ground surface finish at the approximate seal position when steering centralised.

Many years ago I served a mechanical engineering apprenticeship, I have experience working on hydraulic system components, and I understood the key risks and method associated with the removal of the alloy rack body end cap (hot work required). I made up a simple jig for end cap removal and some simple tools for seal removal.
I researched prices approx. £70 for end cap, approx. £70 plus for seals, also I budgeted for a new set of flex hoses supplied by a Chimaera forum member.
I can supply some step by step method advice and photos if you are prepared to attempt this, again at your own risk.

I have attached a photo of the final assembly of the main components.

[Litcoat]

Yes, that's the same rack as mine, I can make out the code in the picture. If hot work is required then I won't be bothering, if I can't get a replacement then I will leave it to the professionals, it's leaking from both sides so it's pretty bad.

Thanks Mark