S1 steering rack?

[muley]

The rack on my S1 has excessive play - potentially an MOT failure. I''ve spoken to a couple of (very helpful) TVR spares sources who have said they will inspect it free of charge and see if they can rebuild it for me. Fine, but what happens if they can''t ?? Does anyone out there have a good secondhand rack? or any other ideas?

[monaco]

You can get a new rack from TVR, but not cheap as you would expect. Had a new one fitted and then found play in the column as well. good luck.

[edward]

Mine failed on that twice over the years - 1st replacement pricey as thro a delaer, second half the price: Try getting the number for hennel (sp?) services, bell lane, henley-on-thames, oxon. He sussed what the rack in my old s1.5 was (expect its the same in your s1) - as I recall a reliant or a scimitar or something like that. Wasn't too pricey.

[johno]

If you look around there are several people who specialise in rebuilding steering racks. I believe the rack is only a mixture of 'parts bins' bits anyway. There are no bespoke TVR parts to it I am led to believe as mine will be going off to be re-built/reconned later this year.

[LeeBee]

To my knowledge the rack is GM but apparently modded by TVR in some way, anyone know any different? Cheers LeeBee P.S Reliant probably used parts bin tech too!

[jsg]

The history file I got with my car shows a new steering rack being fitted in 1996 at 31,000 miles. It was fitted by The TVR Centre in Barnet and the description is 'Rack Steering Assembly - S', part number S28H10050 and according to the invoice it cost 178.78 plus VAT at the time. good luck.

[edward]

The point I forgot to make was that I was there at Hennel garage when the new rack arrived by courier in a box that steering rack on it! ie not a TVR part!!!

[Roy C]

quote:To my knowledge the rack is GM but apparently modded by TVR in some way, anyone know any different? Cheers LeeBee P.S Reliant probably used parts bin tech too!

I think it may be a Chevette rack with TVR mods. Roy

[muley]

Thanks for all the feedback, I've spoken to Hennels and they will 'match it up for me' It will go there in a few days time. I'll let you know how it goes,

[LeeBee]

"I think it may be a Chevette rack with TVR mods." Yep thats what I have heard and I have an exploded view of one somewhere in the depths of my S data.There are however 2 different types and you can get a quikrack for a Chevette but I am unsure of what TVR did to the rack (my guess would be the steering arms?) and which type of rack the quikrack version is compatible with.I will be looking into this very shortly......... Cheers LeeBee Edited by LeeBee on Thursday 31st May 21:31

[Roy C]

My Reliant mate confirms that his SS1 also has a modified Chevette rack. I'll let you know if he comes up with more info from his Tamworth piggy chums. roy

[muley]

Well, my rack is with Hennels and they've sent it away to be matched. So far, we have found it isn't an escort rack.... I'll keep you posted ....

[LeeBee]

Right ok I have got hold of an S1 rack which matches up perfectly to the Chevette exploded diagram I have.Interesting to see what they find Cheers LeeBee

[pdavison]

Does anyone know if the steering racks changed from the S1 to the S3, as my S3 has got play in it's steering rack. Also, does anyone know if they're adjustable or is it just a matter of replacement? Finally - any clue's as to what I should expect to pay for a replacement would be quite helpful. Cheers Paul

[LeeBee]

I am pretty sure the are the same across the range.They can be adjusted by removing shims (might not cure it though) but it's bloody fiddly and you will have to take the rack out to do this and once it is out you may as well have it refurbished.Christopher Neil do them for about £90+vat (01606) 41481 Paul "Mack" (not his real surname but they all know him as Paul Mack!)in parts will sort you out. Cheers LeeBee

[muley]

Back from hols. today, spoke to Hennels and they (or the factors) cannot match it and the old rack is being refurbished. Back today or tomorrow, they say. I'll post the price once it is back in my grubby mitts.

[muley]

It was GBP 90 + VAT = GBP105.75 in total. Now fitted and tracking roughly set. Skinless custard puddings all over the countryside, now.