Steering Rack Niggle, any ideas!?!

[R300_PM]

Hi Guys/Girls,

I have a small issue with the steering rack on my R300 and I'm not sure what to do about it, I am after some advice and possibly assistance with rectifying the niggle, this is the situation:

When slowly pulling off from stand-still with the wheel slightly turned or even turning around, I get slight feedback through the steering wheel, it feels like slight free-play (and I'm talking something less than 2-3mm). It does not make so much of a clunk noise, but more of a hmmm, "plink" sound (and no, its not a china man saying pink, thats how it sounds!) There is NO free-play when travelling at a 'progressive' speed!

It has done it a couple of times recently and I'm edging on the side of caution as if its something simple, I don't want to make it worse and even possibly more expensive than it has to be! Has anyone else had this? Does anyone know what it could be?

I am unfortunatly mechanically stumped, but I do have a few people around that would be able to help me out to check anything that you may suggest.

I thank you for your assistance in advance!

[ewenm]

Check the steering rack is properly clamped down. There are two clamps that hold it in place, so check these are tight.

[bertie]

Do you have a removable steering wheel? They always seem to have a small amount of play.

Main suspect for me would be the steering column sliding joint, under the bonnet between scuttle and pedal box, that can easy work loose.

Loosen the lock nut and do the grub screw up very tight indeed, then re'lock it.

[R300_PM]

Had a quick look, on my own to day so will have to wait until someone else gets home to turn the wheel whilst I try and locate the exact cause/location of the noise Its such a tiny thing but really pi**es me off in an annoying way!

[R300_PM]

bertie said:

Do you have a removable steering wheel? They always seem to have a small amount of play.

Main suspect for me would be the steering column sliding joint, under the bonnet between scuttle and pedal box, that can easy work loose.

Loosen the lock nut and do the grub screw up very tight indeed, then re'lock it.

I don't have a removeable steering wheel as I have a brain like a goldfish and I would loose the damn thing!

I did think it would have something to do with the sliding joint so I'll take a closer look. Thanks Bertie!

[James.S]

Check the joint just after the bulkhead, the grub screw and bolt arrangement. This commonly goes knackered.

They "chirp" when you shake the wheel or "crack" when the grub screw goes.

[R300_PM]

Cheers James, that 'chirp' sounds exactly whats happening. Will I have to get a new grub screw or is it more serious that that do you know!?!?

[mikee]

no it just works loose, you just need to tighten it and it'll be fine (for a while!)

[finchy172]

Check wheel bearing play
Bottom UV joint near the rack is tight and the column is in the located position (this being the machined recess for the bolt to fit.)
The clamp between the top column and bottom column. Grub screw and the larger nut need to be really tight. If that doesnt cure it, it may be the rubber/nylon bushes in the column or the rack itself

[R300_PM]

The car is only 3 years old and done 10,000 miles, is this right for a car of this age!?!

[James.S]

Mine seems to go every 500 miles or so.

[SimonY]

If you think the play is in the rack it is easy to solve by loosening the large nut on top, tightening the allen key until the rack feels right, and then locking the nut again.

[masonp]

I think I have the same problem on mine, with a bit of play in the steering at standstill, though it isn't making any noise. Like R300 PM I don't seem to have any play on the move. I have checked the bolts holding the rack to the chassis at the front, oiled the knuckle from the rack to the column and also loosened the grub nut, tighted allen bolt and relocked grub nut, but still seem to have a little bit of play. Is this a problem, or just something I have to get used to (ie. will I be turning the steering wheel and the wheels don't respond sort of thing!). Can you get a replacment column joint, or am I worrying over nothing.

Sorry to butt in on your question R300PM, but its one I've meaning to ask the more experienced owners for a while. Like you I am a (relatively) recent entrant to world of 7 ownership

Thanks in advance for any advice.

PS It was a bit nippy, but dry and bright, so had her out today for a quick whizz and the steering issue did not at all get in the way of a bloody big 7 induced grin!!

[R300_PM]

Sounds like we've encountered our first Caterham 'quirk'! Yippee! (or not!)

[pezzer]

Can I develop another steering issue? Can anyone tell me how to get my steering wheel aligned straight? With the wheels pointing in a straigh line the steering wheel is turned right. Not by much but again...it's a steering niggle. Could it have been caused by going over a large pothole? What can I do to fix it?

Thanks

[masonp]

Sorry for being a bit obvious, but have you had the tracking checked?

[R300_PM]

I've fixed it!!! No more 'chirp'!! Loosened the bug nut, tightened the grub screw and bob's your mothers brother! Spot on guys! Thanks for all your help!