280i Series 1.5 (US) Steering rack inner rod end

[benebob]

My TVR is finally getting its bearing replaced. Been at the shop for 4 weeks now while the new concrete hardened in the garage. I've been getting a lot of play in the front drivers side wheel and while it is up on a lift we tracked it to the inner tie rod end. Guess it would be the track rod end for those on the other side of the pond. Anybody know what it is off of? Would love to come up with one by tomorrow so I don't need to take it back in. Hoping Ford used a fairly universal set up in there

Thanks
Ben

[TVRleigh_BBWR]

I think most of the fords use the same size, problem is they are all different length's so you can either just get any Granada or Cortina one's and re-do the tracking, or take it off and get them to match it up.

Have you checked you main ball joints also, as I've just had to do mine as they was worn.

Edited by TVRleigh_BBWR on Tuesday 24th August 00:06

[benebob]

Ball joints are suprisingly solid. I do have some for replacing when I swap engines and redo the suspension bushings but no immediate need. You can actually see the movement in the driverside inner tie rod

[Wedg1e]

You mean the track rod is loose at the rack end? You can un-stake the securing cap and tighten it to remove play, then re-stake (actually it's pinned, not staked, but you'd see how it's done if you stripped the rack).

[benebob]

Wedgie, will this fix the problem or just delay the need for a new rack? My mechanic took a look at it and said both sides are pretty much shot. He seemed slightly baffled by your post but we live in the land of throw away and replace rather than fix. He can't come up with replacments (I'm assuming it is the same as a cortina right? There is a new lhd Cortina 3-5 rack on flebay uk for 95 pounds plus 90 pounds shipping.

[ihouston]

I replaced the rack on my 280i - there was no adjustment on the rack at all - not sure if some racks have adjustment and some dont - my new only cost around £30 from ebay for a re conditioned one so not worth messing around with in my opinion.

[SLB]

My '88 350i PAS rack is as Wedge1e says. Under the rubber gaitor, the rod screws onto the outside of the rack shaft and there is a lock nut plus a pin. Inside there is a spring with a little plastic cup so play can be removed by adjusting the lock nut etc. I had trouble as I damaged the thread on the lock nut and I had to have a replacement specially made. I couldn't find a replacement rod end or lock nut etc to suit for ages on e-bay, so if it's the same as mine and it's bad you may need to go for the replacement rack.