Loud knock/click in front end

[krs09]

Well I think I may need a new steering rack. When going over bumps of any kind I get a loud knock in the front end. First I thought is was the steering column bushing but after replacing that the knock is still there. I went under the front end and if I pull back and forth on the rod that comes out of the rack (tie rod end screws onto the other end) I can duplicate that noise. My tie rod ends are shot and the boots on the rack are shot too, but If I turn hard left and check out the rack you can clearly see the rod with the ball socket exposed from the boot. It really sounds like the noise is coming form the inside of the rack. What are my options? I checked out the rebuild "how to" but it looked daunting, im sure those internal plastic pieces are wasted. Houston's looks great (ends,boots,bushings included) but pricey. Any cross over parts available? Anything Im missing? Any help would be great. Thanks guys Im trying to stay calm:meditation:

[hmcelraft]

The non-metal bushing in the right side of the rack eventually deteriorates and usually, just disappears. I'm not sure what DMCH uses in their new racks but, they seem like a nice replacement just looking at them. I like the fact that they come with the mounting bushings. Hervey uses brass bushing in his rebuilt racks that have some close tolerances and keeps play to a minimum but, there is still a little. I notice a little noise - I think - once in a blue moon. I have expected to hear some noise as wear increases but, so far it hasn't seemed to wear or make any appreciable noise. Hervey said he did not put fluid grease in the rebuilt rack but a paste rack grease supplied by the rebuilder. I don't know if that is the right thing to do or not. So far so good. Although I ordered Hervey's complete rack with tie rod ends, I didn't use Hervey's tie-rod ends as they appeared to be modified after-markets that had a sloppy mod done. I wasn't personally satisfied they screwed onto the rack shaft sufficiently. I'm using two I got from Rob Grady a few years ago - perfect fit.

Let's see: I have Hervey's rebuilt rack, Grady's tie-rod ends, Grady's front springs, Hervey's lower control arm Polyurethane bushings, DMCH's latest lower ball joints, Toby's front sway bar combo kit and steering column bushing and, Marty Maier's shock kit and adjustable rear lower control arms. The steering, ride and handling are really good right now and the alignment specs are the best they have ever been in 30 years. I don't know if I'm bragging or complaining but, I'm sure glad that is done for now. The car is so much nicer to drive when the steering fells correct. For years the front caster on the right and left side was so excessive the tires wanted to shimmy at upper highway speeds - not now.

[Blackie]

I rebuilt my original rack some time ago, it is not a hard job but there was still alot of play in it after i was done, even though i had a very tight bushing machined out of Delrin rod.

I think it is the old pinion bearings that are the issue with the original racks, I put a new DMC rack into it over Christmas and havent looked back, totally changes the way the car handles. Highly recommend this.

[dustybarn]

Fellow forumite Martin G from the UK has a great video on the DeLorean steering rack:

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

IIRC he offers replacement bushings for sale as well.

[jorge figueroa]

this is a website in australia
selling the right kit to rebuild
the steerring rack for delorean car
at reasonable price only $ 47.50

http://smckaperformance.com.au/shop/steering/rack-rebuild-kit-burman-2/

I get tired of asking many people about this kit
never told me where to get it.
obviously because they run out of business

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