is any one else breaking/wearing out steering racks?

[eurotiva]

I've rebuilt a few festy racks. Very simple. I'll do a write up soon

[Christ]

I look forward to it. There's a Miata and a Capri at the yard, and racks are $42. I need to replace mine anyway, and I'd rather do it with a quicker rack, especially if it's close in weight. I'll suffer the weight for a faster steering response.

If I needed new tie rod ends, I'd go buy heim joints and swap everything at once, too. But they're perfect, and I have a new set of Aspire ones, too.

[Rocketman]

Just talked to my buddy - he depowered his Capri rack & said it was almost the same as the one in the Miata guide. He had it looped, and said there was moderate improvement in steering effort after totally de-powering it.

I'll get some measurements from the racks I have - might be a few days, I'm delivering an engine to the other side of the state tomorrow.

[Christ]

No need for cutting/welding, at least on the Miata rack. Here's think link:

http://www.flyinmiata.com/tech/depower.php?x=1

The Capri rack looks extremely similar to that design externally so I'm going to guess it's very similar internally as well. I have one that I can pull apart, if I find the time, & we'll see what's inside it.

It's supposed to lighten it up more than a simple plug or line loop, as you're still pumping stuff around then

I just drain the fluid and then put about an ounce back in it. Never had trouble, but I've only done it 2-3 times.

[Rocketman]

No need for cutting/welding, at least on the Miata rack. Here's think link:

http://www.flyinmiata.com/tech/depower.php?x=1

The Capri rack looks extremely similar to that design externally so I'm going to guess it's very similar internally as well. I have one that I can pull apart, if I find the time, & we'll see what's inside it.

It's supposed to lighten it up more than a simple plug or line loop, as you're still pumping stuff around then

[Christ]

I just take the PS lines off and plug 'em. Never seems any harder than a manual rack that way, just usually has a quicker ratio.

If the Miata or XR2 racks fit and can use the correct hardware to align the car, either one probably has a quicker ratio than the Festiva, so I'm game for a swap, even doing it my way.

[sketchman]

Miata.net has a writeup for de-powering the Miata rack,

Could you link to that? I took apart a Neon rack to totally depower it, but never finished before the engine blew and it went byebye. If it's anything like that, I wouldn't attempt it without a welder and grinder to put the rack back together again solidly.

But if you do have those, it's an easy thing to do in the grand scheme. Unless you're talking about completely swapping the guts out with those from a manual rack. That I probably would never bother with. Just pop it open, split and remove the hydraulic seal and weld the case back together. Done.

Oh, and if you can confirm that it will physically fit and bolt up, I would be easily persuaded to grab a reman to depower for my new Festy and do a writeup with pics. As light as they are, they could do with some ratio quickening even with no power assist.

Here is a pic of the neon rack and the split seal is shown too. It's really easy once you get it apart. It's obvious what to do.

[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.

[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...

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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

[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?

[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.