SE Chargecooler Steering Rack?

[G_Reaper]

My particular car had been stood for a number of years before I bought it. The steering has always been in my opinion rather heavy. I replaced the bottom U/J on the steering column and this improved things slightly but I am quite convinced the steering rack needs replacing. Does anyone know if this is off another car as I have located a local reconditioner who can recondition it for a fraction of the cost of a new rack if he can identify the basic rack to be off another vehicle.

[wcdeane]

I am also interested in the answer to this. I suffer from the same problem. Like your car, Mike, I suspect that my car was a "Garage Queen" that wasn't very well kept.

My car is on jack stands for the winter. I happen to be working on some other stuff. So, now would be a good time for me to address this. Any help/advise would be mush appreciated.

Walt...'91 SE

[G_Reaper]

Someone must know the answer to this one.

HELP!!!! Please!

[cnh1990]

For what car? There are rebuild kits for certain models of the rack. If you look at KFM's Esprit fact file site click on parts on the left menu. It will bring you to the parts page. On the middle of this page you will find a sub heading of Parts. click on this again and look for a quote from Patrick Peal a former executive of Lotus. Also under problems in the frame menu is a descrption of what a bad steering rack symtoms are. I would have clipped and posted it for you here but KFM's site has been raided by rip-off lately, he and I are one good terms, we corespond here and there. I would not want to offend him by pasting portions of the EFF here.
Calvin

[G_Reaper]

Thanks for the tip about the E F FILE.
I have checked out the info on the site. Which basically states that almost all Lotus racks are made specifically for Lotus cars. However I spoke today with South West Lotus Centre and they sell re-conditioned racks at a seriously over inflated price yet cheaper than Lotus. So their must be something we the general public are not aware of with regards to these racks. Also SJ Sports Cars sell a 'new' rack cheaper than Lotus, cheaper than S.W.Lotus Centre's 're con' rack but still three times the price of most other cars manual racks. I think there is a myth here to be broken about Lotus racks.

[cnh1990]

The reconditions racks are for a fast turn around. A lot of place may require you to turn in your old rack. I have seen and heard of other people reconditioning their own racks or sending it to be worked on and reinstalling it themselves. True many places profit from our cars and the lack of knowledge of where to aquire parts. I would suspect that there are many who would not like the secert of where to get these parts to get out to the Lotus owners. I'm sure a few have even spent sometime having parts custom fabricated.
Calvin

[G_Reaper]

I will try and get to the bottom of this. I have a friend who used to work in the development department at Lotus in the late 80's early 90's, its time to phone a friend I've tried ask the audience. I will keep you posted if any new information comes of this.

Regards Mike SE C.Cooler

[cnh1990]

Kylie,
Appears to have an after market power or power assisted steering in her car which is an early model S body. Her car has been modified. I am waiting for her response to exactly what unit she has in her car. The mounting points on the frame of the SE are much different than the S4 and later models and would require cutting and welding of the frame to get the stock S4 units to fit. So it might be worth it to wait and see what she says.
Calvin 90 SE

[5150neo]

I too was stumped by this topic, so I took matters into my own hands. My steering had a slight bit of play so I removed the rack and investigated. Before Iwas under the impression that it needed to be replaced but in fact it did not. The left bushing that keeps the rack in constant contact with the pinion was worn. The right bushing was in fine condition. The bushing cost about eight dollars. I also replaced the boots/gaiters, repainted the assembly, regreased, and reinstalled the unit. Total cost to me was around $60 with overnight shipping. All play is gone and the steering is much smoother. If intrested in reconditioning yourself, give Jeff at JAE a call, they have the parts.

[5150neo]

Almost left this out. Its my understanding that if the bushings are replaced, and the pinion shaft collar and lower bearing are in good condition and play is still present, the assembly needs to be replaced. There is excessive wear on the teeth of the pinion or rack, or both.