is any one else breaking/wearing out steering racks?

[eurotiva]

I will see if i have any pics.

Imagine putting a slice of pvc pipe in there around the geared shaft. Well cutting that into 2 pieces made it to where nothing had to be taken apart.

[fastivaB6TG25MR]

do you remember the dia and thickness of the tube used?

[eurotiva]

do you remember the dia and thickness of the tube used?

I used a solid piece and turned it on my lathe. I just measured the diameter of the steering rack inside and the shaft.

Sorry i didn't document much. I just fix stuff ad roll with it.

Most here dog my ways so i keep alot to myself.

[skeeters_keeper]

Just so happens I have access to a lathe and delrin. But I'm wondering if perhaps brass wouldn't be an even better substitute, add a few setscrews to tighten it up to zero play with it still being able to slide OK... man, I have too many projects :/ but at least this one should be easy.

The drivers side can be adjusted as is, it has a large locknut with a smaller 'adjusting' nut inside that pushes on a spring that keeps constant pressure on the rack. I'd think if that was loose you'd see a lot of play in your steering wheel.

[fastivaB6TG25MR]

broke another rack guess im gonna have make one of these bushings....

[Movin]

The rack itself snapped in two ?? !

bushing link, another car

http://www.dmcnews.com/Techsection/Steering%20Rack%20Rebuild/Steering%20Rack.pdf

[Safety Guy]

Movin, I read through about 90% of that. Very interesting to see how someone rigs up "nonstandard" solutions. We're already doing that sort of thing and it will become more common as regular and borrowed parts sources may fade away.

Thanks,

Karl

[fastivaB6TG25MR]

not the rack housing the bushing on the outer drivers side is cracked againg allowing a 3*-5* varation on toe. makes for a vicious shimmy while cruising.

[Movin]

Thanks, I was hoping the rack was not that weak.

that link ^^I was only showing the bushing fab and install.
The rest is a little different than we have.

I like Europa's idea to install the bushing, I think he means
you could do it in the car with only the boots and inners pulled??

If you get the mounting brackets can a PS rack be installed ?
They have bigger components I believe, may be a stronger unit?

[Rocketman]

What about a Capri steering rack? They're all power rack, but maybe are better built to deal with those loads? I have one or two laying around here I could measure up for you if you'd like.

Miata.net has a writeup for de-powering the Miata rack, it should be very similar to the capri rack

[fastivaB6TG25MR]

pvc is a pretty good idea and super cheap... ill look for my old junk steering rack to get some measurements and see what i can fab up... thanks for the link

i dont think the rack will have to come out to install them. iirc once the inner tie rods are off its all the same size end to end

ill see what i can do with pcv first... i already have my steering head "clearanced" to fit my tranny.

[blkfordsedan]

I agree with Greg. I think the high HP and abuse are taking a toll on your chassis. You guys with the modded B6t and BPt cars are becoming the pioneers of the Festy world.

[Movin]

Probably need to find all the pieces and get them out? The way they are made
it might spit the chunks into the boot.

[russian]

we are actually into replacing the steering rack and seems like no one has them available, even remanufactured

OReilly can rebuild mine with 2-3-who knows weeks turnaround...

[fastivaB6TG25MR]

i can order a new one for $300 from wold pac but i can buy a parts car for $300 so not worth it to me.