Steering Rack

[Alba]

Morning, I have oil seeping from my steering rack which MOT man is not entirely happy with, I have searched recent posts on refurb but just wondering if I can get an update or recommendation for a refurb company?

Some time ago someone was going to strip an old one down and take pictures of its internals to see how big a job it was, did anything ever come of this?

Thanks in advance

[mikesr]

A guy on the Chimp forum did a rebuild and there are several posts on the same thread about experiences with rebuild companies.

The biggest pain seems to be removing the end cap. It needs a 60mm spanner and loads of heat/freeze cycles to break the threadlock.

I'm considering rebuilding my rack over winter when I put a new AC condenser in. Trying to decide if its an experience too far. Although having rebuilt the engine it ought to be a walk in the park

[Alba]

Thanks mikesr, the rack is out and I'll have a bash at stripping it down tomorrow. Thanks for the link and I can see there are seals for sale on a "TVR parts shop" website. Apart from the oil weeping there seems to be no play so fingers crossed it should not be too bad.

I have almost made my mind up today the body need to come off for some chassis rejuvenation so my oil seals might turn into a bigger winter project.

I'll keep you posted on the end cap !!!!

Thanks

[mikesr]

Yes please post progress. I have decided to rebuild mine over winter so any info and advice will be invaluable.

Steering rack seals turning into body off - that's impressive

[ukkid35]

I really didn't think oil/ps fluid leaks were an MOT fail, has something changed?

[Alba]

ukkid35 said:

I really didn't think oil/ps fluid leaks were an MOT fail, has something changed?

One of the gaiters has perished over time which needs replaced anyway but there is oil leaking out of the tear in the gaiter.

If I replaced the gaiter then slapped it all back together then MOT'd it straight away I could wing it but its not going to get any better hence the new seals.

Or so I thought?

[Vixpy1]

Went to take mine out for a drive yesterday and there is also power steering fluid pissing out of the gaitor, watching this thread with interest!

[mikesr]

Resources so far
Chimp forum description of rebuild

Removing the end cap needs a 60mm spanner and loads of heat/freeze cycles to break the threadlock.

Track rods need a 32mm spanner

Seal kit from RaceTech
Note O rings aren't included in the kit. Sizes needed when someone has stripped their rack.



Picture of the Pinion when I replaced the seals
So seal kit is 4 washers and 2 seals for the pinion plus washer for piston and the end seals and presumably the other thing in the kit is the bush mentioned in the Chimp thread

[pmessling]

Also watching with interest as i need to at some point replace the pinion on mine as there is play.

[kstead]

Just bumping this up as i need to sort my rack out pdq and im finding this really useful.
Anyone want to recomend a reconditioner before I atemp myself??? the thought of sending it off is pretty tempting looking at the mountain of other projects that need doing..

[Boatbuoy]

I've just used Kiley Clinton in Birmingham. They turned it around in less than a week for me and they do a full pressure leak test before signing it off - at nearly £400 (inc. VAT and return P&P) it isn't cheap but seeing as it's a total pig to remove the rack from the car it's the last thing I'd want to get refitted into the vehicle only to find I hadn't fixed it properly myself!

http://www.steering-racks.co.uk/

Here's mine:

[TVRinBFG]

Mike Williams (ex-Factory Parts Manager) at Obsolete TVR just done one for me.

[Adambul]

Just thought I’d mention I’ve had a reoccurring PS fluid leak from the end of my rack for a couple of years. It Only dropped fluid when on full RH lock and would occasional weep. I’ve applied a temporary cure using some PS repair fluid I got from Ebay and so far it’s working a treat. No leaks at all since I put it in, it was Lucas Power Steering Repair Fluid’ £20. Apparently it works by expanding the seals.

[TvrJohn]

Recently had my Cerbera pinion drive assembly refurbed by Kiley Clinton, excellent job done, about £83

[mikesr]

I didn't get around to rebuilding the rack due to ongoing surgery on elbows and wrists to fix carpal tunnel syndrome.

So I'm less convinced a rack rebuild is an experience I want to have

Edited by mikesr on Thursday 8th May 22:21

[Richiebhoy]

[e-mail]
£130 plus vat, they have just quoted me for full refurb, 48 hours turnaround
Got quoted £260 from others.
Haven't used them yet, as the Lucas oil has stopped it to a tiny drip, will do in winter though

[kstead]

£130 seems pretty reasonable, id go for that but still tempted to have a go myself just for the hell of it, anyone on here completed a sucsessful recon???