Skip navigation

Play in steering rack - at the tie rod N/S

Post

Back to the top
I got the tracking done today after finishing off fitting new hubs and bearings on the front end. The guy who was tracking it said there was play in the rack near the tie rod on the N/S.

There is a noticable knock on the 3-9 movement - i checked the clamps on the rack and they all seem intact, there is no play in the steering just this knock. Im hoping its the inner ball joint on the tie rod but the guy said it seemed more on the rack at the junction to the tie rod - see pic.


IMG_20150418_104050.jpg
Im not familiar with this end of the steering rack are there any sleeves/washers on this end connecting to the tie rod just at the boot?
 

1983 Diamond Silver Mk1 GTi - Black Leather Interior - 16V ABF - Cable box - Upgraded Servo/MC and 280mm Disks - Coilovers - 15' Melbers

Post

Back to the top
It's just a ball joint with a lock nut. It there is play in it then you will need a new one. They are left hand threaded if I remember correctly

Cheers,
Ade

Banner


Post

Back to the top
it will be the rack that has play there is a bush in the end that wears if the boot goes. i have loads with the same issue.    

Post

Back to the top
^that sounds like my problem, the boot was in rags when I got the car so it has every chance of causing this problem.

Can the bush be replaced\repaired? I've never seen this in any of the poly kits?

1983 Diamond Silver Mk1 GTi - Black Leather Interior - 16V ABF - Cable box - Upgraded Servo/MC and 280mm Disks - Coilovers - 15' Melbers

Post

Back to the top
i don't think the racks can be repaired

Post

Back to the top
Yea so its fairly terminal so… On a related matter what upgrades are out there? I've heard there are faster racks that guys fit, (not power steering) has anyone fitter a faster rack to their mk1?

1983 Diamond Silver Mk1 GTi - Black Leather Interior - 16V ABF - Cable box - Upgraded Servo/MC and 280mm Disks - Coilovers - 15' Melbers

Post

Back to the top
Why do you want to fit a faster rack? Going rallying?
You can buy a new rack for £60 ish but it's also best to replace other bit's while it's all out eg,
new steering rack bushes
Track rods
Track rod ends
Steering rack boots
and may be a UJ boot if your's is split.

It can be done with the car up on axel stands and with the engine in but I found I had to disconnect the exhaust down pipe from the manifold to get room and remove the gearbox mount as there is a nut behind it.  

1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.

Post

Back to the top
I know how much a replacement rack costs and I already have new tie rods boots and poly bushes on the existing rack. 

I consider a faster rack more of an upgrade call it a "rally' upgrade it really doesn't matter, I'm just looking to know where to get such racks and the options available…

1983 Diamond Silver Mk1 GTi - Black Leather Interior - 16V ABF - Cable box - Upgraded Servo/MC and 280mm Disks - Coilovers - 15' Melbers

Post

Back to the top

1988 Mk1 Golf GTi Cabriolet 1.8cc DX, K-jet. Daily drive. 317,000 miles and counting
1978 Mk1 Scirocco GLS 1.6cc FR, Webber carb. Weekend toy.
0 guests and 0 members have just viewed this: None.