Re-Building A Steering Rack

[Ryan King]

Just wanted to get the opinions from you folks on what one needs to do when it comes to re-building or refurbishing a Steering Rack. Both of my steering rack boots are ripped. I was planning on just purchasing new Tie-Rod ends and new boots.

Is there supposed to be gear oil underneath the boots? What else should I consider doing?

-Ryan

[Farrar]

Not sure if this (http://www.dmcnews.com/Techsection/Steering%20Rack%20Rebuild/Steering%20Rack.pdf) will help, but might be worth a read if nothing else.

Farrar

[Ryan King]

Not sure if this (http://www.dmcnews.com/Techsection/Steering%20Rack%20Rebuild/Steering%20Rack.pdf) will help, but might be worth a read if nothing else.

Farrar

Thank you, Farrar! I will read this.

[DCUK Martin]

Ryan, if you could hold off for a month or so, I am planning on making my bearing kits available. I'm convinced the wear and play we get is not the rack and pinion (except in exceptional circumstances) but the dreadful dumb bearings. I've got a couple of sets "out there" racking up the miles and so far so good. In fact one of them was a rack with no shims left and a horrible amount of play before I rebuilt it.

The owner reported that it felt like a new rack.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffLRDUxevPA

[Ryan King]

Ryan, if you could hold off for a month or so, I am planning on making my bearing kits available. I'm convinced the wear and play we get is not the rack and pinion (except in exceptional circumstances) but the dreadful dumb bearings. I've got a couple of sets "out there" racking up the miles and so far so good. In fact one of them was a rack with no shims left and a horrible amount of play before I rebuilt it.

The owner reported that it felt like a new rack.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffLRDUxevPA

So are the bearings something that just fail over time? Is that what you have seen? What will your kit include? I was hoping to do a refurb sooner rather then later.

[DCUK Martin]

Hi Ryan, it will include everything to replace and shim up the two bearings plus the pass side bush

[DeCobra]

Hi Martin,

Nice video - thanks for sharing, and I am thinking about getting your kit when available.

Question - I noticed that you didn't put any sealant on the caps. Do you find that this is not necessary on the DMC racks?

Thanks!
Dave

[DCUK Martin]

Heh - that video was kinda off-the-cuff and I did seal those plates subsequently... well spotted!

I'll shoot another video to go with the kit.

[sean]

Ryan, if you could hold off for a month or so, I am planning on making my bearing kits available

Eagerly awaiting this!

[DCUK Martin]

So are the bearings something that just fail over time?

Sorry I missed this.

As I explain in the video, the rack is designed to hold oil and this will fall out with a simple boot failure. It also pools at the bottom bearing and completely misses the top bearing which effectively runs dry its entire life. Lotus re-worked the upper bearing to an angular contact needle roller bearing later on.

So to answer your question: yes, the bearings do just wear out over time. And knowing DMC, you can be fairly sure they've made their new racks exactly like the originals (although I don't know this for a fact).

[Ryan King]

Martin, what are the symptoms of bad steering rack bearings?

[Ryan King]

Also, does anyone know what kind of grease one should us when re building the rack?

[DCUK Martin]

Hi all, I'm working towards making my rack rebuild kit available in a month or so. It will include tie rod ends, rack boots, passenger side bush and everything you need to replace the bearings. You will need to get some grease though ;) (bog standard bearing grease is fine).

Ryan, the symptoms of bearing wear is play, pure and simple. A small amount of play in the rack and pinion translates to a big difference in the feel at the wheel. It also makes the steering harder to turn.

I have also finally got around to sorting out my supply of steering UJ's pictured below.

2 sealed roller-bearing joints, stainless intermediate shaft with bolts for $129 including shipping to the US/Canada

6926

[Chris 16409]

Wow! What a Great Price! I think you can put me down for one of those kits too. I was considering getting Toby's. Your kit has more value.

[sean]

2 sealed roller-bearing joints, stainless intermediate shaft with bolts for $129 including shipping to the US/Canada

:shocked: great price!

[protodelorean]

Great job Martin! Looking forward to the rack kit.