Steering rack preload help

[Spittybug]

I've got Rob Grady's steering rack rebuild kit. Unfortunately I don't have the instructions on how to do the preload. I understand he did a writeup on it but I haven't found it. Does anyone have it? Thanks.

[PJ Grady Inc.]

I've got Rob Grady's steering rack rebuild kit. Unfortunately I don't have the instructions on how to do the preload. I understand he did a writeup on it but I haven't found it. Does anyone have it? Thanks.

I'm out of town till Thursday but I can give you the preload specs. Pinion preload is 1 to 2 lbs. Then set rack bar to 4 to 5 Lbs. Last set tierods to 5 to 6 lbs.

[Spittybug]

Thanks for the specs Rob, I'm just not sure how to physically do it :).

[Rich]

Looks like you got the numbers you need from Rob already.

For reference Rob's write-up of the rack & pinion rebuild is in the Summer 2015 issue of DeLorean World mag.

6 pages, color photos.


I've got Rob Grady's steering rack rebuild kit. Unfortunately I don't have the instructions on how to do the preload. I understand he did a writeup on it but I haven't found it.

[Spittybug]

Does anyone have a soft copy of this article? Thanks.

[PJ Grady Inc.]

Thanks for the specs Rob, I'm just not sure how to physically do it :).

We're setting up new computers while I'm away but I can have my secretary send you a copy of DW on Monday if you can wait for the write up that long?
Rob

[PJ Grady Inc.]

[QUOTE=PJ Grady Inc.;184190]We're setting up new computers while I'm away but I can have my secretary send you a copy of DW on Monday if you can wait for the write up that long?
Rob

[Spittybug]

We're setting up new computers while I'm away but I can have my secretary send you a copy of DW on Monday if you can wait for the write up that long?
Rob

I can wait! Thanks Rob....

[Spittybug]

I pulled the rack out yesterday and disassembled it. Which way around does the passenger end bushing go? It has a small shoulder on it, does that end go into the tube?

I also took the tie rods, sanded them free of their old paint and grime and painted them with some leftover black appliance epoxy paint. WOW.. shiny, very hard and smooth!!

[Rich_NYS]

I've got Rob Grady's steering rack rebuild kit. Unfortunately I don't have the instructions on how to do the preload.

I might rebuild my rack, what does the preload refer to?

[Spittybug]

Grady got me the writeup so I went ahead and finished up today. Not for the timid. You have to drill out locking pins, drill in new ones and be able to wrench on some big nuts on your workbench. Preloading involves adding shims under the covers, tightening down and then measuring the amount of force to move the pinion up and down the rack. It isn't very scientific and the values have a pretty wide range, but the discipline of doing it makes sure that you don't have slop or an overly tight rack. In my case, the full number of shims went back in and I was a hair tighter than expected. I'm assuming that with a few miles of use it will slacken ever so slightly and be perfect.

The real bear is removing and replacing the rack from the car. Small, constrained spaces, klugy brackets over rubber mounts and difficult to reach bolts on the steering column. If you are doing this, pay VERY CLOSE ATTENTION to how the mounts are oriented, especially the passenger one with the lateral movement preventer. NO GOOD PICTURES in manual. Without a lift this would be a lot tougher. I'm achy and sore all over from doing this. At least the garage was only 80 degrees today. A cool one.