Steering Rack Problem On A G Reg Gt-4 Import

[Phil_Cruiser]

Posting on behalf of a friend...

He has a G reg GT-4 import which has play in the steering. We think it is from the rack. Is this a problem that anyone else has come across? is there an easy fix? I was wondering if anyone had ever taken the rack off and if i is a servicable item? Any help/diagrams/advice would be great as we are working very much in the dark at the moment!

Thanks

Phil. :(

[Phil_Cruiser]

Anyone? :(

[Kelvyn]

Heve you checked it over yourself?? The universal joint that joins the column to the rack itself can wear, check by watching it while someone gently rocks the steering wheel to and fro. If you can get your hand on it then you should be able to feel if ther is any play in it. Check the track rod ends too. The ball joints where it joins the suspension leg often wear, put the steering on full lock, then wrap your hand round the ball joint while someone rocks the steering wheel, you shouldn't feel any play(clunks) in the ball joints. Next you can check if there is play inside the rack. If you go back to the joint that connects the column to the rack and twist it back and forth. If there is free play between the rack and the pinion you will feel it here. It will be like the steering wheel can turn without it moving the wheels.

The other places you get wear are the rack bearings and the track rod inner joints. You can check for wear here but it will be difficult to say for sure which of the two are worn. If you have the steering set straight ahead (most wear should be around here as thats where the steering is used most) jack the car up so you can get under it and make sure its supported on stands, then slide under and grab the track rod as close to the gaitor as possible and push it around. There should be no clonking.

The joint between the column and rack you can change yourselves as you can the track rod ends (though youwill need to have the tracking set afterwards). The rack will need to come off the car for anything else, and while the bearings can be replaced and free play adjusted thats a job best left to specialists with the right tools and equipement. If there is a problem inside the rack itself your best bet is to get either a reconditioned one from your local motor factors or take a chance on a second hand one from a breaker. As the GT4 was sold here any way you should be able to get one for a UK car, I cant imagine they are any different to the import ones, but if they are I'm sure someone will tell us.

Wow thats a long post, its a wonder I dont have blisters on my fingers.