Clicking Noise Coming From The Steering Rack

[harvs]

Hi

 

I've just finished my winter modifications (new prop shaft, gaz coilovers and gauges) and was about to take it for a spin to check everything out, when I noticed a clicking noise when turning the steering wheel.

 

It happens when the the wheels are pointed straight forwards, then if you turn a little left and then back straight on there's a clicking noice. It's relatively loud and vibrates a little through the chassis. I asked the wife to turn the wheel whilst I tried to locate the sound - but couldn't see anything other than the rack flexing a little near where the input shaft is.

 

It's a RH superspec.

 

Before I start taking things to bits I thought I'd ask if this problem sounded familiar to anyone / if there's anything I should be looking out for?

 

Many thanks

James

[Guest woolly]

check all the pinch bolts on the steering column shaft joints

[Longboarder]

You need to check each joint from steering wheel to each road wheel visualy, with a hand on each join and with a spanner. Also that each component is secured to the car. Steering wheel to column, top column bearing, top column to triangular sliding insert, top column triangular bit to lower column V clamp, lower column universal joint, lower column to rack splined joint, rack to track rod inner and track rod to steering arm outer, wheel hub nuts. Make sure the rack is bolted to the car. Check hub bearings at the wheels and wishbone to car and hub carrier joints.

Well, you did ask the possibilities. The one I would want to check first is the splined joint, lower column to rack. There have been cases of this being fitted wrongly with the clamp bolt not through the recess in the splined bit so it can pull off if the bolt loosens.

Otherwise it's just a case of methodicaly going through it.

 

Nigel

[harvs]

Thanks guys, especially the exhaustive list Nigel!

 

I've had it up on axle stands now and think it is where the rack is bolted to the chassis. When the wheel is turned, the rack appears to shift slightly in its fixing and then spring back causing the noise. I'll try packing out the fitting to remove any slackness and see if that cures it.

 

Will also check the other steering joints / bolts while I'm at it.

 

Thanks for the help

James

[johnlrichardson]

Changed a rack once thinking it was faulty because clicking noise an the steering

It turned out to be the UJ just below the column Ithink they have small needle bearings

in them

HTH jon

[harvs]

All fixed now - thanks again. On to the next problem now! (engine....)

[Redspec]

All fixed now - thanks again. On to the next problem now! (engine....)

 

 

Well !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Are you going to tell us or not. It's just I'm starting to run out of things to check / mod

[harvs]

It's just I'm starting to run out of things to check / mod

Lucky you Steve!! Happy for you to mod mine if you like?!

 

 

For the steering rack, it was the 'u' clamp which wasn't clamping the rack down enough. I used some pvc piping (like you plumb sink drains) which fitted quite well in between the rack and the clamp to pad it out a little.

[fry61]

Lucky you Steve!! Happy for you to mod mine if you like?!

 

 

For the steering rack, it was the 'u' clamp which wasn't clamping the rack down enough. I used some pvc piping (like you plumb sink drains) which fitted quite well in between the rack and the clamp to pad it out a little.

Make a new steel clamp somewhen in the near future,the PVC wont put up with the forces for long;had same issues with our 2B so made a clamp that fitted properly.

[harvs]

Make a new steel clamp somewhen in the near future,the PVC wont put up with the forces for long;had same issues with our 2B so made a clamp that fitted properly.

 

Thanks - will add it to my list!