Help with 340 steering MOT failure

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fiffer
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Help with 340 steering MOT failure

Post by fiffer » 09 Mar 2009 04:45 pm

Hi everyone,

This is my first post. I have a H reg 340 which has just failed the MOT on a few things. Most I can fix myself but the worst failure is:

"Offside front steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering rack fitted)".

Is this something that can be adjusted on a 340 or will it need a new steering rack? If a new rack is required, what sort of cost is involved for parts and garage labour (bearing in mind that I can't do the job myself)? This could decide the car's fate.

Thanks in advance for any replies,

fiffer

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jtbo
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Re: Help with 340 steering MOT failure

Post by jtbo » 09 Mar 2009 06:31 pm

Hmm, I remember reading that those steering shaft joints can wear and often at MOT faulty said to be rack to be blamed. That is at least worth to check.

If offside only has play, that sounds bit odd for steering rack itself, if there is play it should be both sides, imo. But I guess some other people know this better than myself, haven't had faulty steering rack probably ever.
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fiffer
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Re: Help with 340 steering MOT failure

Post by fiffer » 09 Mar 2009 07:14 pm

Hi jtbo,

Thanks for your reply. I don't know much about the steering but, like you, thought that a faulty rack would show on both sides. I will wait to see if anyone else has experience of this problem before committing the car to a garage.

fiffer

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Re: Help with 340 steering MOT failure

Post by sven360 » 09 Mar 2009 07:43 pm

http://www.volvo300mania.com/forum-uk/v ... f=5&t=6720

Some of that may apply.
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SteveP
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Re: Help with 340 steering MOT failure

Post by SteveP » 09 Mar 2009 07:52 pm

Id've thought a garage would've been able to pinpoint the play specifically to a certain component.... if it's the rack then there's often a few on ebay for under 50 quid... a couple of hours labour should be sufficient I would've thought if you dont want to fit one yourself
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classicswede
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Re: Help with 340 steering MOT failure

Post by classicswede » 09 Mar 2009 08:58 pm

It is quite common for 300 racks to wear out one side only. Most the ones I have replaced have only been worn on one side.
It is worth checking the track rod ends first - but make sure the location of teh play is identified before replacing anything.
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daffodil
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Re: Help with 340 steering MOT failure

Post by daffodil » 09 Mar 2009 10:46 pm

hi also check before you condem the rack----is the joint in the steering gaitor
this is a seperate part and is still available from most motor factors

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Re: Help with 340 steering MOT failure

Post by trabitom99 » 10 Mar 2009 09:17 am

Tie rod ends and non-PAS tie rods should easily be available for a 340, especially the t/r/e can be had quite cheaply from the bay. Or from me, if you're desperate. Even a manual RHD rack shouldn't take too long to source, they pop up quite regularly.

If the rest of the car is fine, definitely worth repairing!
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Ian Mac
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Re: Help with 340 steering MOT failure

Post by Ian Mac » 11 Mar 2009 10:18 am

In my experience steering rack wear is quite common on 340's and is usually fairly obvious by free-play at the steering wheel at the straight ahead position. I've sourced my last three racks from a motor factors in Birmingham and I think the last one was about £42 exchange. They do crop up on Ebay but there are two types so make sure you get the right one. If the play is slight you can adjust it out by removing the plastic dome cover from the rack, slackening the lock nut and adjusting the allen bolt. This technically shouldn't be attempted as the pre-load is set at manufacture but I've managed it quite successfully in the past. You need to take care not to overtighten the allen bolt or you'll end up with tight spots on the steering and a reluctance to self-centre. Worth a try though if the wear is slight. Obviously you need to rule out track rod ends and the steering column coupling first.
Ian

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Re: Help with 340 steering MOT failure

Post by foggyjames » 12 Mar 2009 04:17 am

The non-PAS racks are a bit sloppy even when new, and tend to go really bad with age. Cue clip of Clarkson...

I have one sitting here which is one of better ones I've driven which you can have for cheap + postage if you can pin it down to the rack. The guys have made some good suggestions re: other components it could be...especially that damn rubber coupler!

It's not a major job. Good luck.

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