MGB & GT Forum
Steering rack questions
Posted by mcpeso
Topic Creator (OP)
Apr 29, 2016 02:55 PM
Joined 11 years ago
204 Posts
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Hi all,
I removed my rack to replace the gaskets and pinion seal. I fear I have moved the rack without the shaft in it. Is there a way to verify that the rack is more or less centered relative to the shaft before I put it all back together?
I realize that I can make small adjustments with the tie rods, I just don't want to have to remove the shaft again if it it is way off.
Also, the rack cover gasket- it goes beneath the shims and the cover, right?
And lastly, I prefer permatex aviation gasket cement, is this a good application for it?
Thanks for your advice.
Mike
I removed my rack to replace the gaskets and pinion seal. I fear I have moved the rack without the shaft in it. Is there a way to verify that the rack is more or less centered relative to the shaft before I put it all back together?
I realize that I can make small adjustments with the tie rods, I just don't want to have to remove the shaft again if it it is way off.
Also, the rack cover gasket- it goes beneath the shims and the cover, right?
And lastly, I prefer permatex aviation gasket cement, is this a good application for it?
Thanks for your advice.
Mike
Cruisedon66
Pete W
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Apr 29, 2016 03:02 PM
Joined 13 years ago
1,104 Posts
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Measure the tie rod ends to make sure they are equal distance from center before reassembly. At this point you may want to adjust the tie rods to the same number of turns so everything is at a base setting.
Or use a tape measure from the body of the rack to both outer tie rods & get the same measurement.
Or use a tape measure from the body of the rack to both outer tie rods & get the same measurement.
Cornfgl
Graham Cornford
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Apr 29, 2016 03:20 PM
Top Contributor
Joined 11 years ago
3,065 Posts
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Mike,
You should have marked it before removing, however, the only way that I know of is to put the steering column in the locked position which should be in the straight ahead position, then make sure that the wheels are also in the straight ahead position using a long straight piece of timber. I pulled the column back as far as I could, mounted the rack and then slid the U/J over the rack shaft.
Although I marked mine, honest, I did, it took me 2 tries to get it right, as the first time I was a whopping 45 degrees out. Having used the car a couple of times since, I need to make adjustments at the tie rod ends soon, but right now I am overjoyed that I am out from under the car, and the steering is Nearly straight
You should have marked it before removing, however, the only way that I know of is to put the steering column in the locked position which should be in the straight ahead position, then make sure that the wheels are also in the straight ahead position using a long straight piece of timber. I pulled the column back as far as I could, mounted the rack and then slid the U/J over the rack shaft.
Although I marked mine, honest, I did, it took me 2 tries to get it right, as the first time I was a whopping 45 degrees out. Having used the car a couple of times since, I need to make adjustments at the tie rod ends soon, but right now I am overjoyed that I am out from under the car, and the steering is Nearly straight
Apr 29, 2016 03:38 PM
Top Contributor
Joined 12 years ago
19,528 Posts
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Graham's is a V8, a whole different world of pain !
On a 67 to rotate the rack in the UJ you only have to remove the 4 holding bolts, that has to be 10x quicker and easier than fiddling with track rod ends especially if it was right before and you've just got it a spline or two out.
The gasket goes on the bottom bearing cover and you don't need goo for it, no gasket for the top cover with the shims.
If you think about that if you needed a gasket there you'd need one between each shim plus one top and bottom
On a 67 to rotate the rack in the UJ you only have to remove the 4 holding bolts, that has to be 10x quicker and easier than fiddling with track rod ends especially if it was right before and you've just got it a spline or two out.
The gasket goes on the bottom bearing cover and you don't need goo for it, no gasket for the top cover with the shims.
If you think about that if you needed a gasket there you'd need one between each shim plus one top and bottom
Guitwithit
No Body
NoWhere, WA, USA
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Apr 29, 2016 06:44 PM
Joined 9 years ago
405 Posts
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Get a rag, vicegripe and turn the rack counter clockwise to stop. Put the vicegripe using rag to protect steering shaft, and clamp it vertically. Now count the number of turns clockwise to stop and divide 2. That gives you how far in to middle. That's what I did putting in my new rack and I was dead on center.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016-04-29 06:47 PM by Guitwithit.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2016-04-29 06:47 PM by Guitwithit.
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