Cerbera steering rack

[MADNESS]

Seem to have some play in the steering on my Cerb, have adjusted the nut on the rack but still have excess free play.

I've seen TVR Parts do a replacement rack, question is do all Cerbs have the same rack?
I seem to recall the v8 ( mine is an early 4.5 v8) have a faster rack over the speed 6?

Here's a link to the one I'm thinking of.

https://tvr-parts.com/tvr-parts/part-details/tvr-h...

[Jhonno]

Yes, V8 has the faster rack..

[Mr Cerbera]

Don't forget that there are two universal joints between the wheel and the rack and it might be one or both of these that might be the guilty party (which is a considerably cheaper fix)

[Byker28i]

About to say - but agree - check the UJ's first

[WhyTwo]

Interesting. I noticed a few months ago that I had a little play in the steering. Minimal, say a a few mil either way, but obviously noticeable. It made me wonder if it had always been the same and I couldn't remember. Not really given it much though.

Should there be any play in a healthy steering rack? Or should it be totally tight?

Edited by WhyTwo on Tuesday 9th May 15:28

[MADNESS]

I have taken a look at the uj's, one connecting to the steering rack, the other at the other end of the rod?

I'll have to phone TVR and see what they say, on the link I put up it don't say anything about a v8 or s6 rack.

Got loads of play in it though, I can turn the wheel about an inch each way and it has no affect on steering!

I drive my dad's E46 M3 at times, that is so much more direct and stable everywhere, I would love my Cerb to be like it!

[Jhonno]

MADNESS said:

I have taken a look at the uj's, one connecting to the steering rack, the other at the other end of the rod?

I'll have to phone TVR and see what they say, on the link I put up it don't say anything about a v8 or s6 rack.

Got loads of play in it though, I can turn the wheel about an inch each way and it has no affect on steering!

I drive my dad's E46 M3 at times, that is so much more direct and stable everywhere, I would love my Cerb to be like it!

A Cerb is MUCH more pointy than an E46 M3..

[Byker28i]

MADNESS said:

I have taken a look at the uj's, one connecting to the steering rack, the other at the other end of the rod?

I'll have to phone TVR and see what they say, on the link I put up it don't say anything about a v8 or s6 rack.

Got loads of play in it though, I can turn the wheel about an inch each way and it has no affect on steering!

I drive my dad's E46 M3 at times, that is so much more direct and stable everywhere, I would love my Cerb to be like it!

Mine as like this - UJ's replaced whilst at the Indy for MOT time.
Get someone to move the wheel whilst you look for movement down the steering rod?

[ukkid35]

The only way I could remove the play from my steering was to use 12.9 HT bolts in the UJs and then far far more torque than you could imagine would be needed.

[MADNESS]

Jhonno said:

A Cerb is MUCH more pointy than an E46 M3..

I wish my one was, it's no where near as good as the M3 on the back roads, maybe once I've sorted the free play out it maybe better.
I find it really bad if I brake from high speed and hit some uneven road, the car goes all over the place !

[totalpetrolhead]

Be wary of replacement UJ's. Market has been flooded with inferior quality parts in recent years...Have seen multiple failures on track which doesn't bear thinking about.

[pmessling]

With that amount of play i would say your pinions worn. Have a look at the sticky on my rebuild. TVR parts racks are not new ones they are overhauled I enquired before doing the rebuild myself.