Play in steering wheel and rack

[sulzeruk]

Hi all, after having to remove my radiator as it had been frost damaged when the car had been laid up, I noticed i had a bit of side to side movement on the rack when turning the wheel , only a couple of mm either side so I would presume my rack mounts are needing changed? Is it best for rubber or solid ones?
Also, when I grip my wheel, I get slight movement in that as well, is it a big job changing the column bearings??? I have the pedal box out at the moment so nows the time to do it.
Thanks as always,
Al Cowan

[CBUEB1771]

Al,
I have not changed the bushes in my column although I have had the column completely apart, there just was not enough wear to worry about. If you search here on "steering column" you will get several hits on replacing these bushings. I would only use solid rack mounts on a competition vehicle, especially if you have replaced the lower steering column "faucet washer" coupling with a cardan joint. The solid mounts transmit quite a bit of harshness up to the steering wheel.

[types26/36]

I replaced some s/column bushes a few years ago and it still had some play (not quite as much as before) but I was told later that it is best to leave the old bushes in and just add the new ones.........I dont know if this is possible or weather its a just "story" but its a thing to think about if you have the column out

[rgh0]

A few mm free play at the steering wheel rim is not normally a problem.

You need to check the entire steering system to identify where the play is

1. Movement of steering wheel and shaft in column (replace column bearing but ensure the new ones you get actuually have a tighter clearance)
2. Free play in the rubber universal joint ( replace rubber bushes or use a steel uni joint)
3. Freeplay in the rack ( reshim the pinion to rack clearance, replace rack if badly worn around normal straight driving position)
4. Freeplay in rack end ball joints ( reshim)
5. Freeplay in tie rod ends ( replace)
6. Freeplay is tyre side walls. ( generally not a problem!)

cheers
Rohan

[ppnelan]

...replace column bearing but ensure the new ones you get actually have a tighter clearance

So how do you do that then
I changed mine for new Triumph ones and the play was about the same...
I can see that fitting another pair of bushes and leaving the old ones in, in a different place, might work since they will be working on an unworn part of the column shaft...

Matthew