Superspec Steering Rack

[Guest rhetorical-oracle]

Does anyone out there know what the steering rack supplied with the SuperSpec is off?

 

I was contemplating converting to power steering, as the Rover engine has a power steering pump, which at the moment is just running circulating fluid around a piece of pipe connecting the flow and return, it seems a waste to just leave it there doing nothing, when it would improve the overall usability of the car if it had power steering.

 

Phill.

[alanrichey]

I could do with knowing as well. My steering is suddenly making a very respectable 'clunk' when the steering wheel is moved. Bottom UV joint looks OK, so suspect it is the steering rack.

 

Anyone know ?

[Kerry]

I think 2b's used Metro or escort racks, neither cars used a power steering rack, your best option would be to take some measurements and visit a good scrap yard, possibly using a rack from Peugeot 206?

[agent_zed]

It will mostly be about determining the steering rack body length. The arms you can extend (probably already have an adaptor on already). The main issue will be getting a rack that will pivot in the correct place so that you do not get any bump steer.

 

Someone may know a clever way of working out where the pivot should be. I think it probably needs to be inline with the top and bottom pivot mounts of the wishbones but could be wrong.

 

The 2b used a left hand drive metro rack turn around, from what i've read. I thought that the superspecs used sierra racks but quite likely wrong on that one

[harvs]

I could do with knowing as well. My steering is suddenly making a very respectable 'clunk' when the steering wheel is moved. Bottom UV joint looks OK, so suspect it is the steering rack.

 

Anyone know ?

 

Mine did the same. The u-clamp holding the rack in place was flexing trough the mounting holes and it was the threads which created the clunk when they slipped. I think I added some packing (plastic pipe) around the rack to keep everything tight - was a long time ago though, so can't remember exactly!

[Bob Tucker]

Ideal place for the rack pivot point is in line with the bottom wishbone pivot....

It needs to follow the same arc as the hub as near as possible.

That was the main reason the sliding pillar was a real pain, the TRE went up & down in an arc, & the

hub went up & down in a straight line.

 

http://www.circletrack.com/chassistech/ctrp_1001_bump_steer_explained/photo_03.html

[Knock-on]

I hate the U clamps. We made some out of a milled billet of Ali which clamp beautifully and did sell some on Rhocar. However, we since supplied them to GBSC instead so you should be able to get them by ringing them up.

 

If you can't get hold of them for whatever reason then drop me a line and I'll see if I can get someone to ship them to you.

 

I'm on a iPhone at the moment but if someone can do a search in the For Sale section from a few years ago and post on here, you can see them.

[Al Milton]

I think the original Superspec steering rack is/was an Escort rack.

 

May be wrong though, but it looks like one on mine

[alanrichey]

I think you are right, I just bought a reconditioned Escort rack off E-Bay after checking the dimensions with the seller and they appear identical (50" from end-to-end, 14.5" between gaiters on main rack and 12" track rod.)

[Guest QuadraDave]

Hi the steering rack is off an escort

Edited June 6, 2014 by QuadraDave

[alanrichey]

Good, I'm getting the right one then I guess this is something I can tackle myself (as a non-engineer) ? Disconnect the track rods and the steering column and then it's just the 2 U-bolts ? Then put the new one in and check the tracking ?

[Guest mower man]

Go for it Allan ! it should not defeat you ,take you time and check everything twice if not three times mick

[alanrichey]

Did it Quite pleased with myself as I had never tackled anything like that before.

 

 

Bad news is that there was nothing wrong it . No play in the steering box at all. So put it all back together again. Good exercise though and good for my morale.

 

I now think it is the lower UV joint. Unfortunately that is actually welded to the steering column so although I have a spare I cannot swap it over. Have to get an expert to do it.

 

(Now have a spare Superspec steering rack if anyone needs one)

[Knock-on]

Silly question but have you checked clamps? UV joint should be very noticeable.

[alanrichey]

I took the whole rack out and tested it on the bench. So the clamps are now VERY tight when I put them back The UV joint is worn, you can see very slight movement if you hold one side and twist the other, but now I have everything back together the steering is looking quite good. Not that much play and I think the 'clunk' is higher up the steering column. Will be checking that tomorrow.