Steering play...S3

[S3Paulo]

Having just renewed both u/j's on the steering shaft and transformed the feel of the steering, I now find that there is some play in the movement, which was not noticeable when the u/j's were stiff. I can turn the steering wheel back and forth about 10 to 15 degrees without any discernable movement on the wheels. Of course all the u/j's are tight and secure.

Is this the norm or is my rack showing signs of wear...?
It was refurbed about 5 years ago by David Gerald.
Thanks in advance chaps...Paul.

Incidentally, it passed it's MOT test 2 months ago.

[doddze]

when your car is standing still the tyre walls will flex a bit due to the weight of the engine which means that the rack could be moving but it appears the wheels aren't turning due to the rubber flexing first..... find a quiet straight road to drive along (ie removing the posible flex effect) and then see if a 5 to 15 degree moves the car....

my wheels don't move immediately on a small steering wheel turn when stationary but they are fine when moving.... and I had my rack realligned etc a couple of weeks ago.... good luck

[S3Paulo]

Thanks mate...when moving along a straight smooth road there is a tiny bit of vagueness..not a lot mind...just a bit where the wheels do just what they want.. if you see what I mean...Paul.

[GreenV8S]

If there's play (i.e. free movement with no force on the wheel) you've got a problem. May be the rack, may be suspension bushes/bearings, may be you didn't tighten the UJs fully. There should be a very small amount of play in the rack (if you rock the wheel back and force gently you will feel a clunk at each end of the travel) and then gradually building resistance as you wind up the various bushes in the system.

If you aren't sure, get a professional to check it.

[S3Paulo]

If you aren't sure, get a professional to check it.[/quote]

I have rechecked the u/j's for tightness, they are ok. There is definately some noticeable free play in this rack....I hear what your saying though, yes it will be professionally looked at... asap.

Thanks for your words guys....Paul.

[mowog]

Interesting thread...

I just replaced the upper UJ on my S3 to solve some steering play. When driving at speed (50mph+)the steering feels much tighter/responsive and responds to very small steering wheel movements well. At lower/bumpy speeds the steering still seems vague and there is still lots play when stationary
At parking speeds there seems to be lots of steering wheel movement for little or no change in direction.

This would seem to suggest play elsewhere in the steering/suspension that may not be evident at higher speeds (is that possible??). Will have a look at suspension bushes/rack/tie rods etc. tomorrow.

Any other ideas?

Darren

[GreenV8S]

It's completely normal for the steering to feel tighter at higher speeds, it takes a smaller steering angle to produce the same lateral acceleration. But if you still have significant play in the system, you want to track it down and eliminate it.

[S3Paulo]

TVR specialist (Horizonmotorsport.com) took my car for a drive and concluded that steering rack was worn. He said that it didn't self center anymore and that it was the cause of the slack/play in steering too.

He said that if I took it in one day next week he would remove offending rack and get it refurbished locally (wolverhampton) and have it back to me within three days...£80 plus labour costs.

Without wanting to spark a long debate about Vauxhall Chevette steering racks...can you still obtain new ones...and how much do they cost...?

Cheers chaps....Paul.

[bridgdav]

Hi Paul...

I've done some work on the S rack before, it really is a a simple mechanism, pretty easy to get off...

I would check that included in this refurb is a geometry setup and check following removal... This will set you back at least £20 on top of everything else....

Some previous posts...

HERE

HERE

[S3Paulo]

bridgdav said:

Hi Paul... I've done some work on the S rack before, it really is a a simple mechanism, pretty easy to get off... I would check that included in this refurb is a geometry setup and check following removal... This will set you back at least £20 on top of everything else.... Some previous posts... HERE HERE

Thanks Dave...that 80 quid was just for the rack refurb. I understood the setting up etc was extra...He'll probably get the job too as wife wants me on child care duty and not lying underneath a TVR getting greasey...cheers again.Paul

[mowog]

I have a feeling that this may be the same problem I have. Going for diagnosis on Thursday...

Would be interested in the contact details of the rack re-furbers as this sounds a more cost effective option than the recon/exchange unit costs quoted in similar posts.

Good luck and let us know how it works out - will kep you posted too.

Darren

[mowog]

Paul

How did you get on with the rack recon?

I spoke to a steering rack refurber in Wolverhampton today (must be the same one used by Horizon) who said that they have been unable to repair a number of TVR racks sent in recently and I though yours might be one of them.

In the meantime I'm ringing around to see who else can do the refurb....

Keep us posted.
Darren

[S3Paulo]

I don't know about this...the guy at horizon assured me it was a goer with a company in Wolves....I do hope it still is.
I will ring him tomorrow...Paul.