Steering rack, new or recondition ?

[Jonathan]

Pretty sure the GT2's rack has gone - everytime I drive it the steering wonders very badly - there is about 5-10 degree play in the steering wheel before the wheels move.

I was going to jack it up - remove the front wheels and look at the movement in the rod ends but I'm 99% sure the rack needs replacing - it's done 100,000 miles or so.

I guess is could be the rod ends / ball joints but you kinda know whats wrong just by holding the wheel if you know what I mean.

Looking at various jobs already done by others on here, is it actually worth spending £250 for a new rack itself or can they be re-furby'd ?

Is there a kit ? Or is it best the replace the whole sheeeeebang ?

[ramjet]

Jonathon,

Haven't you guys got those places over there where you take in your old one and swap it for a refurbished one? And you get a better price because you are parting with your old one.

Michael.

[internets]

Its a non powered rack right??, I can get it re furbished for you for around £40. Providing the ram / pinion are in good condition. Had Sparky's rack done last year

Edited May 28, 2010 by internets

[Sparky]

...and I can't fault it! Right result.

[Simon350S]

Sounds a good price...

The knuckle joint on one of the steering arms themselves went on Rogers SE, the play in it was significant and easily diagnosed with the front end jacked up.

[Jonathan]

Refurb is spot on, only 1 prob, where did you get it done ?

Sounds right up my un-employed, I can only afford to eat 4 times a week, street !

I will do that Simon, as you never know

[Vulcan Grey]

http://picasaweb.google.com/lotusse/SteeringRack#

Refurb!

I got the parts from JAE in the States.

[internets]

A mate of mine in West London, not far from the Ace cafe. I might be over in Maidstone next week at some point, if I am I can pick it up from you if that helps?

[Jonathan]

Travis - you've changed websites, I've been lost without them pictures, but now I am back in ym happy place - cheers

Yes it does Chris - even if I dont get the thing off, if you dont pop by for as long as you like and chat whilst you're down here I'll be rather upset

[Vulcan Grey]

yea, for some reason I can't put my website in my sig...

[Jonathan]

Tis interesting - I have lifted the front up and run a few tests - there's no evidence of anything been re-newed in the past 10 years

In all honesty the whole car could do with new ball joints and all but the steering rack feels quite direct when you move it at the hub and at the wheel, there is play there but ever so slight - perhaps its becuase the weight is off ?

Wondering whether to book out 4 new ball joints as well, track rod ends and throw some cash at it.

Apart from observing the back lash from each end as I wiggle the hubs is there anything else I can do ?

[rogerch]

Check the U/Js at the bottom of the column if you haven't already.

[Jonathan]

QUick, rather urgent question.

In the parts manual there is talk of a 'steady bearing' on the lower intermediate column whihc looks like it supports the intermediate shaft between the 1st and 2nd universal joints.

Mine hasn't got his, but it also looks as if it was never fitted or drilled to be fitted.

Is this usual ?

[Vulcan Grey]

My 89 SE doesn't have that....

[CarlC]

Hi Jon,

Got mine recon'd all in including collection and delivery for about £150 as it had a leak that made it fail its MOT. Glad I did becuase I nearly bought the SAAB Rack its taken from but according to Lotus, they made some kind of internal modificaiton to improve the feel of the rack for the Esprit. Dont know how true that is but thats what was said at the origonal Lotus Factory visit talks they did.

EDIT: Ah, Sorry Jon, just saw the picture again and noticed its not the PAS version from your GT3.

Still interesting info from Lotus though about the PAS Rack.

Edited June 24, 2010 by CarlC

[Jonathan]