S2 Steering Rack Replacement

[swimmer27]

Hi all
On the last MOT I had an advisory regarding play / wear in my steering rack so a couple of questions.
When the search facility was working as it should I book marked this company http://www.kellybraysteering.co.uk/ have any of you used them?

Also although capable and having a decent garage and tools etc I have lower back issues and wondered if this is a job that I could do laying on my back as long as I can get the car high enough on axle stands?

For those of you who have done this job were there any problems you encountered etc?
I have new track rod ends and will order new rack bushes, any advice on this would be appreciated.
Paul

[Griffinr]

Not really a lying on the back job as all the access is under the bonnet. Jacked mine up to get the wheels clear and allow the bonnet to open to the max then split the track rod ends, removed the steering link and the 4 bolts holding the rack to the chassis and its off. About 30minutes start to finish.
You can sit on the tyre for most of the job if you leave the wheels on.
Rob.

[swimmer27]

You can sit on the tyre for most of the job if you leave the wheels on.
Rob.
Thanks Rob, When I changed my rad cooling fan earlier in the year the leaning into the engine bay was enough to cause me considerable lower back pain afterwards; Perhaps a quick release system (not sure how or what)would be a good idea to be able to remove the bonnet quickly.
That aside sitting on the wheels will probably be the most comfortable for me.

Can I ask where you sourced the replacement / refurbished rack from?

[Griffinr]

swimmer27 said:

Can I ask where you sourced the replacement / refurbished rack from?

Kiley Clinton Birmingham http://www.steering-racks.co.uk/contact/
Cost £65 plus VAT, courier service can be arranged for a quick turn around.
You may be able to find someone local though.
Rob.

[swimmer27]

Griffinr said:

Kiley Clinton Birmingham http://www.steering-racks.co.uk/contact/
Cost £65 plus VAT, courier service can be arranged for a quick turn around.
You may be able to find someone local though.
Rob.

Thanks Rob.

[mep12345]

I used slot bray and think they are superb. FSLIC business, wife does delivery, son does sales and father the work. I rate them and like to support the small man but after all locality may be an issue

[swimmer27]

mep12345 said:

I used slot bray and think they are superb. FSLIC business, wife does delivery, son does sales and father the work. I rate them and like to support the small man but after all locality may be an issue

I emailed Kelly Bray and Kiley Clinton yesterday, Kelly Bray have asked if I can send a photo of the rack to identify it so I emailed back last night and said as far as I know I believe its from a Vauxhall Chevette.

Kiley Clinton said they would rebuild mine for £75 + £11 carriage + VAT.

Neither of these are near to me in the KT15 area.

As you say I too are keen to support the smaller buisness as I do with my local shops.

I'm not in a position to remove the rack for a few weeks unless I get a few hours free but once removed I will photograph it and send then on to Kelly Bray for a quote.

Edited by swimmer27 on Wednesday 12th September 08:19

[swimmer27]

Just a follow up, steering rack has returned safely from Kelly Bray so once my back has recovered from lifting floorboards at the weekend I will get it back in along with the new poly bushes and track rod ends then a quick visit to get it tracked up.
Lets hope we have some decent dry weather heading into winter!

Edit:- Managed to get the rack back on last night, took a while to get the lower steering rack clamp bolts in pesumably due to the new poly bushes also with a painful lower back didn't help!
Steering feels great now so just remains to get it tracked.

Edited by swimmer27 on Thursday 11th October 08:52