6 replies to this topic

[davemate]

I have an advisory on the MOT of excess play in the steering. i have a knocking noice when going over bumps, how can i tell which is in need of replacing? i want to go for a geo over the next couple of weeks, but dont want to do this if i am going to (with help) pull apart the steering rack. Dave.

[davemate]

i really should check my thread titles a second time before posting. very sorry about that. -thank you kind moderator

Edited by davemate, 31 March 2011 - 02:04 PM.

[Ouchie]

For both tests make sure the steering lock will not engage by turning the key in the ignition first. To check the UJ, stick your head in the footwell and grab the lower steering column joint with one hand and turn the steering wheel with the other hand. Do this while the wheels are on the ground so they offer good friction. There should be no play in the joint. Tighten the bolts while you are down there anyway. To check the rack, raise the front end up and grab a wheel and push/pull it so the steering wheel is seen to move. There should be little or no play. Also take off the wheels and grab the steering rack end and give a good push and pull too. Lastly lift the steering rack end and feel for knocking. If the latter then it's more likely worn bushes in the rack. I'm sure there are more tests. Good luck.

[davemate]

thanks man, that helps. if worn bushes, is this a steering rack out and replace jobbie?

[techieboy]

Yep. Rack needs to come out and you'll either need to fit a complete replacement or refurb it yourself. JJJ managed to replace the bushes in the ends of his rack with some uprated bronze jobbies but no idea how easy/hard that was. I just ended up buying a replacement quick rack direct from Titan as I couldn't be bothered to wait for them to refurb it for me.

[davemate]

i am on over 50k on the original, so it sounds like mine is due to come out then? anyone know where would have one in stock straight away? -anyone want to give me a hand fitting a rack in the next couple of weeks? generous cash and beer, and tea and biscuits in return for your time- i can travel * *obviously i will do the checks first, but if spending a few hundred on a geo, i may as well get it all right. boooo, i know i do have the knocking sound; of which a particular prickly tuning company told me they had sorted, tried to charge me an hour for removing some heat shielding on the rear, i then left the car park, went straight back in because it was still there, a guy bounced the front and said "the noise is from the front"... which is what i told them in the first place. ho hum.

[Ouchie]

i am on over 50k on the original, so it sounds like mine is due to come out then?


anyone know where would have one in stock straight away?
-anyone want to give me a hand fitting a rack in the next couple of weeks? generous cash and beer, and tea and biscuits in return for your time- i can travel *

I got a quick rack from EliseParts (I know, short arms and deep pockets types need not apply) but they keep stock on the shelves ready to go. Took 1 day to change including a rudimentary geo-by-eye to get me going. 10 minutes to get the tracking set. I also changed steering column, steering arms and a couple of ball joints too. I should have done the rack riser plates but didn't think I needed them at the time.