steering rack

[bobs280i]

I have a us spec 280i ...which has a lot of play in the steering ' I'm trying to find out what model the rack is from ? as its a left hand drive is it from a triumph tr7? As I believe that's what I read the column is from .....Thanks Bob

[Tasmin200]

I think the unassisted racks are from a Mk4/5 Cortina but there are are a few different racks so maybe if you put some more detail on someone could help.

Maybe it would be easier to get it refurbished rather then replace it?

[gmw9666]

There are some new LHD cortina racks on UK eBay right now

[bobs280i]

Thanks for your help ' I was hoping for it to be a tr7 rack as they are over here in the states and would be easyer to get'as its the shipping on the cortina rack that's going to be a killer ...the steering has so much movement its a bit off a worry ...its a non power steering rack ...maybe it will be better for me to found some one to rebuild it
Cheers Bob

[Tasmin200]

Are you sure it's the rack at fault? Check the bulkhead bearing where the column goes through the fiberglass.

[bobs280i]

Yeah I did that job a year ago ...worked out really nice ...the steering will play at 10 ...till 2 before it starts to work .I see that at some point in time its has a spring replaced inside the panel on the rack which has two 10 mm bolts and what would look like a plastic tensioner inside!

[Yatesy350i]

Hi Bob

Have chat with Roger at Kiley Clinton. Brilliant Guy and he knows all about Ford racks being fitted to TVR's

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

I was in there last week. Brilliant service and I'm sure he said "We send stuff all over the world"?

I'm not 100% but he may be able to advice if you could do a home rebuild with a service kit?

Hope you get it sorted.

Karl

[Wedg1e]

Universal joints in the column knuckles shot? Accumulated play here would make it sloppy. It's hard for the rack to wear in such a way that causes that much play (and certainly unusual on a typically low-mileage sportscar).
The other thing you could check is the tie-rods: disconnect the track rod ends from the steering arms and see how stiff the track rods are at the rack end: ideally they should be stiff enough to stay at whatever angle you put them without needing to be heaved around. If they drop as soon as you let go then the rack end spring-loaded joint is probably slacker than my ex-wife... it can be adjusted although it means stripping the rack.

If both rack end joints were slack, then again it would give the steering wheel slop that you describe. Also the car would tend to wander when supposedly in a straight line.

[benebob]

Bob,
I bought my rack via ebay uk a few years back. Well worth the cost to ship it as it was still cheaper then getting mine rebuilt. It is a cortina rack. Also check the bracket on the column just before it goes thru the firewall as well mine had loosened up a few years back and I spent quite some time chasing u joints, the rack etc and in the end it was just a simple tightening of the bolt. It did exactly the same thing, and wandered quite a bit.

Ben

Edited by benebob on Tuesday 15th April 23:56

[bobs280i]

That's something for me to check over the weekend ..Thanks Ben ...and everyone for your help....I hope its a simple fix. ....

[bobs280i]

Update .... I was able to drive the wedge to work today and with the car on the ramp it would seem there is a badly worn inner tie rod arm on the drives side with a ton off movement in the knuckle which is inside the rubber boot..the passenger side is also crap! So I would replace them both ....Thanks wed1e for some trouble shooters ...now where can I buy them and are they called inner tie rods? ? Bob

[mrzigazaga]

Hi Mate...They are Track tie rod ends..You can get them from ML performance..

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&...

Or on Fleabay..Cortina mk4-5

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TRACK-ROD-END-PAIR-for-F...

Hope this helps...Ziga

[Toby Tram]

mrzigazaga said:

Hi Mate...They are Track tie rod ends..You can get them from ML performance..

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&...

Hadn't heard of that company before. Excellent source! That should go onto the useful contacts page!!

A.

[mrzigazaga]

Toby Tram said:

Hadn't heard of that company before. Excellent source! That should go onto the useful contacts page!!

A.

Hi Mate...Its on the parts page..Neil is a very helpful dude and hopefully will be at the fest...Although in a social capacity...

[bobs280i]

Thanks

[Yatesy350i]

mrzigazaga said:

Hi Mate...Its on the parts page..Neil is a very helpful dude and hopefully will be at the fest...Although in a social capacity...

Yep.

I second that Neil is a top bloke. He even posted me some stuff last year I was in a panic for. Before I could get home to actually pay for it online! Now that's service

[bobs280i]

ok i seem to be having a problem locating the inner tie rod , seems i can find the outer one with no problems ,but its the (long bar with the rubber boot) im after, been looking on the bay and other places , the problem is with shipping i have one shot to get it right ,do they not sell them seperate? i will remove the rubber boot later to get a better look ,if it ever stops raining (again its the usa spec LH drive , Thank Bob

[benebob]

Bob,
I had no luck finding 'em so I simply ordered a new rack from England. If you find some let me know as I have a rack in the garage which needs some then can go to someone who needs one.

[bobs280i]

Ben ' Hi..... I found what maybe be what I needed in Australia but not 100'/. Sure so couldn't pull the trigger ...and at $40 each plus shipping was not going to happen ..so like you I'm buying a new rack from England. Its a bit more but its going to fix all? Ben what state do you live in? I'm from western mass ...maybe bring my Tvr to Brits by the sea in Connecticut ..it was just not ready last year but was a great show with about 12 tvrs there ....with many other great British classics at the show..
Bob