Both, please

I don't have access to a spare rack at the moment, but I think I know where to lay my hands on one...

cheers

James

foggyjames wrote:I don't have access to a spare rack at the moment, but I think I know where to lay my hands on one...

Please try! If you could follow that up that'd be great ... Steve, was it one of the track rods or one of the track rod ends that were missing on yours?

Wiper blades are ready, and I've asked a guy breaking an '84 340 what he wants for the arms ...

Tom

so if I understand the whole discussion correctly, Tom's problem is not so much the steering rack itself but the trackrod ends that are mounted on it?

Yes, that's it. The TÜV report does state that there is play in the rack as well, but the garage assured me this was minmal. If the track rods (NLA), and track rod ends (very widely available) are replaced, they say it will go through.

But "minimal play" in the rack might also mean a bit more play some time in the future. So if reconditioning / overhauling the track rods turns out to be too expensive / complicated then a whole new rack w. rods might still be necessary.

Tom

PAS racks normally have a bit more play than manual ones; its because of the valve drum in the steering collumn bit.

perhaps you can "fix" the track rods (ball joint that's inside the rubber dust housse) by closing it up with a punch.

replace trackrod ends with new ones, shine up the rack and you're good to go.

Tom...you may as well cut out the middle-man. Pete Farrell is breaking a couple of late GLTs, I believe. Why not send him a PM?

I'll reply to your email when I'm not about to leave for the pub

cheers

James

foggyjames wrote:Tom...you may as well cut out the middle-man. Pete Farrell is breaking a couple of late GLTs, I believe. Why not send him a PM?

Ah, thanks for the tip, I had been wondering whether Pete might have the odd bit stashed away

foggyjames wrote:I'll reply to your email when I'm not about to leave for the pub

No worries, all in your own time! We just need to sort out postage details etc ...

antiekeradio wrote:perhaps you can "fix" the track rods (ball joint that's inside the rubber dust housse) by closing it up with a punch.

Hmmmm, what do you mean by closing it up with a punch? Give the track rod a good whacking with a hammer ?

Tom

in production, the 'dome' that encloses the ball and fixes it in the cup, is pressed close. if you get a bit of wear, play develops there.

it is possible to close up the dome again; eliminating the play.

not the best way to go, but mostly the play will be very minimal to start with anyway.

OK, I understand now ...

Tom

It's an old used bodge fix, doesn't last long, but will last a few weeks either side of the MOT...

Hi Tom,

ever tried your luck here: http://www.servolenkung.net/unsere_produkte.htm

?

Cheers
Thomas

hamburg340 wrote:ever tried your luck here: http://www.servolenkung.net/unsere_produkte.htm
?
Cheers
Thomas

Thanks for the tip! If that site is serious then that is very interesting. A man from Lizarte told me that TRW racks are the same as Lizarte, just sold under a different label.

And that rack is just over half the price of a Lizarte rack, and doesn't need to be shipped from Spain ...

But I'll see what Pete comes up with first, if some fresh tie rods do the trick then that's the route I'll take ...

Tom

Let's talk nicely to them I wonder if they do RHD racks...

cheers

James

Even if they do, Eurocarparts is still cheaper ...

I'll email them and see if they can deliver a LHD power rack at that price.

Tom

Hi Tom,

Just to let you know I've not forgotten, rack has been located in the parts dept. Just need to check it over and then talk to you via email! Been away for the last week too, so I'm now playing catch up with work too, but we'll get there!

Pete