Steering Racks

[Guest Griff]

The steering rack on my series 3 seems to have a bit of play in it, as I didn't build the car I don't know what car the rack came from. The MOT is due soon so I need to order a new one pronto. Did a search but didnt seem to help!!!

A fellow Hoodie seemed to think they use an Escort rack but which one

Mk 1, 2 or3 and short or long ?????????????

Help

[Longboarder]

I believe various racks have been used. Escort ones have track rod extenders on. My series three (last variation before 2B) has a standard sierra rack in it. Suggest you remove the rack and visit your local motor factors as they will want it in part exchange anyway and can probably identify it.

 

Nigel

[Guest Griff]

Thanks for the info, has anybody fitted or had experience of quick racks on

series 3's ?

[Guest Ianz]

Griff

I have a series 3a,if you have play in the rack ,I would check the

joint from the column onto rack,and make sure its tight,as when the 3a

was kitted RHSC filed the splined stub that comes out of the rack into a

triangular shape,with a mickey mouse clamp arrangement,

I have replaced this dodgy clamp with a splined /universal joint from car builder

solutions,about £40 quid,but worth the money,

anyways if your certain the play is in the rack,a Sierra rack is whats fitted to my car.

Cheers Ian

[Guest bloke]

if sierra, check the for sale - well not really for sale more barter section in this case!!!

 

am going to staffs on sun hopfully

[Guest rizla]

not on a 3 but im having one of the quick racks fitted to my s7,ive driven cars with 1 to 1 steering before it takes getting used to but you can control/play with the car more easily

[Big Jim]

The series 3 has the standard sierra steering rack, play can be in any one of three different places on it, it can be in the wobbly joint at either end of the rack where the track rod ends connect (if it is then it's probably the track rod end that's knackered) or it could be excess play at the worm / rack. this can be adjusted by removing the cap (plastic or tin) that covers the bush adjustment, this bush pushes the rack against the worm drive. you need to get it just right, you can get either play, or tightness.

The steering rack only has a bush at the opposite end to the worm drive, the worm drive end is held in position by this adjustable bush.

you can change the internals, ie. the actual rack & worm drive (try Rally design, that's where I got mine) and make it into a quick rack (recommended) you can even buy the whole rack from them as a quick rack if you don't want to piss about with it.

 

 

In fact 'Bloke' is selling a standard steering rack for a couple of pints, if you don't want to be bothered messing about with it. Then again, you could get that one, and mess about with the easiest (they do have different 'plugs' depending on year)

[Guest Griff]

Thanks for the advice guys, Rally design do a quick rack but can't get them at present, so Ive paid the extra and gone to Quaife instead. They have stock and I should get mine on Monday.

[Big Jim]

Once you get used to it, you'll love it. Don't GRIP it, just steer normally.

[Guest MikeD318]

Mmmmm, quick rack. I think this has just gone on my wish list.

[Bob Tucker]

Ive just fitted the RSJIGTEC wishbones which use a standard Sierra rack..4.25 turns lock to lock.

But I also have a power steering rack (3 turns) which has a slightly different connection to the column, but is viable. I wont be using the pump, so it'll be a manual rack. I'll make the hydraulic circuits into closed circuits. to avoid dust/grit etc..

More later.

Bob.

[Big Jim]

Bob, that's a S..L..O..W rack if ever there was one! the Rally Design bits to make it a quick rack (approx £50) are 2·4 turns lock to lock. so most of the time you can drive it without even moving your hands from the wheel!

[Guest AWhite]

Except to change gear.

[Guest Griff]

Well that was fun, I've refurbished the steering rack fitted Quaife quick rack components and re fitted it to the car, been for a test drive and all is ok, easy as that!!!!!!!!

 

One bit of advise though DONT TRY THIS AT HOME KIDS!

 

All was going well until it got to the part where you have to remove the adjuster retaining the pinion gear. It would not budge. Even after following Big Jims advice and constructing a special tool. So I purchased a recon rack for £37 and rebuilt that one instead not easy but at least its done.

 

It was worth it though, I took it for a test drive this morning and it feels good, much more responsive and the wheel was straight and it goes in a straight line!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just need to find another project now?

[Guest Bazwaz]

Just fitted a quick rack myself tonight. Bought it off e-bay for £31 plus postage. I will have to wait till the weekend to try it out though as it is piddling down at the moment.

Barry.