quick steering rack question

quick steering rack question

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Discussion

Andy70

Original Poster:

1,335 posts

171 months

Tuesday 31st December 2024
quotequote all
Hi all, I hope everyone had a good Christmas, just wondering what car the steering rack on these came from? mine is a 2000 4.0 if that makes a difference. Time to get mine sorted I think

Z4monster

1,442 posts

272 months

Tuesday 31st December 2024
quotequote all
As I understand it, the steering rack is unique to TVR and was made for them. You either have it refurbed or find another one from a scrapper.

BritishTvr450

491 posts

11 months

Tuesday 31st December 2024
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Andy70 said:
Hi all, I hope everyone had a good Christmas, just wondering what car the steering rack on these came from? mine is a 2000 4.0 if that makes a difference. Time to get mine sorted I think
It’s a TVR specific rack I’m afraid.
No longer available.
Clinton in Birmingham can re condition yours to a certain extent but parts are no longer available.
Seals etc can be replaced but not much else.
If you suspect yours is faulty I’d first find a knowledgable Tvr man to test it.
He might be able to pin point it down to poor knuckle joints which can cause tight spots or notchy feel and far easier to repair at much less cost.
There is then the Subaru rack as an alternative if yours is beyond repair but a big job that not many have experience of doing.

Removing the rack is not particularly technical but is a right pain in the arse to get it out without damaging the chassis powder coat.
I’ve had to do it 3 times and it’s always been a bit of a fight.

Andy70

Original Poster:

1,335 posts

171 months

Tuesday 31st December 2024
quotequote all
BritishTvr450 said:
It’s a TVR specific rack I’m afraid.
No longer available.
Clinton in Birmingham can re condition yours to a certain extent but parts are no longer available.
Seals etc can be replaced but not much else.
If you suspect yours is faulty I’d first find a knowledgable Tvr man to test it.
He might be able to pin point it down to poor knuckle joints which can cause tight spots or notchy feel and far easier to repair at much less cost.
There is then the Subaru rack as an alternative if yours is beyond repair but a big job that not many have experience of doing.

Removing the rack is not particularly technical but is a right pain in the arse to get it out without damaging the chassis powder coat.
I’ve had to do it 3 times and it’s always been a bit of a fight.
Ok right, there is a place i found locally and sent them a message enquiring about costs, there is also a place on ebay that will refurb a TVR rack, but they are in Yorkshire (I'm in Bristol), for £375 they collect it via a courier, refurb it and return it...but I'd need to get it off, it's leaking fluid quite bad now, so time to get it sorted I think. Not sure if I'd want to tackle it myself, that's why i messaged a local steering rack specialist, they'd probably remove it if i can take it to them but they didn't specify on their web site if they do TVR's hence my enquiry here first just to get an idea if they could do it as i probably won't get a reply for a few days now. My local garage would remove it I guess. I'll find out what the options are then if there are alternatives, however I'd rather just get that one sorted if it can be done

Belle427

10,184 posts

245 months

Wednesday 1st January
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Kiley Clinton would be my choice as they specialise in older classic stuff.

pwd95

8,412 posts

250 months

Wednesday 1st January
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BAR Propshafts in Neath did mine. Family run business for years so a wealth of experience. You have to take the exhaust 'Y' piece off & remove it from above. Much easier if you pop the copper pipes off too.

BritishTvr450

491 posts

11 months

Wednesday 1st January
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Andy70 said:
Ok right, there is a place i found locally and sent them a message enquiring about costs, there is also a place on ebay that will refurb a TVR rack, but they are in Yorkshire (I'm in Bristol), for £375 they collect it via a courier, refurb it and return it...but I'd need to get it off, it's leaking fluid quite bad now, so time to get it sorted I think. Not sure if I'd want to tackle it myself, that's why i messaged a local steering rack specialist, they'd probably remove it if i can take it to them but they didn't specify on their web site if they do TVR's hence my enquiry here first just to get an idea if they could do it as i probably won't get a reply for a few days now. My local garage would remove it I guess. I'll find out what the options are then if there are alternatives, however I'd rather just get that one sorted if it can be done
If it’s leaking from the input shaft you can replace the oil seal there quite easily yourself but if it’s coming out the gators you’ll need a specialist.
Clinton’s have experience with TVR racks but I suppose any specialist will do. Just remember they are rare and need to be handled with care and if it’s leaking badly I’d certainly not be driving it!

PabloGee

541 posts

32 months

Wednesday 1st January
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Mine was refurbished by Lawfield Engineering, I have the record of it costing £470 in 2015. Not cheap, but it’s all good now.

Badgerchim

136 posts

147 months

Wednesday 1st January
quotequote all
I have had mine done by Kily Clinton last October including the modified seal and bush and low profile copper pipe replacement which will make installation and any future removal easier.

A real old school workshop in the middle of Birmingham and very knowledgable. Not cheap but you are paying for the experience and expertise.

They can also supply the steering column lower rod ujs

Andy70

Original Poster:

1,335 posts

171 months

Wednesday 1st January
quotequote all
BritishTvr450 said:
Andy70 said:
Ok right, there is a place i found locally and sent them a message enquiring about costs, there is also a place on ebay that will refurb a TVR rack, but they are in Yorkshire (I'm in Bristol), for £375 they collect it via a courier, refurb it and return it...but I'd need to get it off, it's leaking fluid quite bad now, so time to get it sorted I think. Not sure if I'd want to tackle it myself, that's why i messaged a local steering rack specialist, they'd probably remove it if i can take it to them but they didn't specify on their web site if they do TVR's hence my enquiry here first just to get an idea if they could do it as i probably won't get a reply for a few days now. My local garage would remove it I guess. I'll find out what the options are then if there are alternatives, however I'd rather just get that one sorted if it can be done
If it’s leaking from the input shaft you can replace the oil seal there quite easily yourself but if it’s coming out the gators you’ll need a specialist.
Clinton’s have experience with TVR racks but I suppose any specialist will do. Just remember they are rare and need to be handled with care and if it’s leaking badly I’d certainly not be driving it!
Brilliant, thanks for that

Andy70

Original Poster:

1,335 posts

171 months

Wednesday 1st January
quotequote all
Thanks for the input guys, I'll see what the local company comes back with.. Cheers for the advice as usual!, If it's nice at the weekend, I might have a nose to see if I can see what's up

lancepar

1,065 posts

184 months

Thursday 2nd January
quotequote all
Had to have a look as I used to visit the area when I had to go out and earn a living.

https://kileyclinton.com

Ps not open till the 7th Jan.

Happy New Year

beer



PabloGee

541 posts

32 months

Thursday 2nd January
quotequote all
Badgerchim said:
I have had mine done by Kily Clinton last October including the modified seal and bush and low profile copper pipe replacement which will make installation and any future removal easier.

A real old school workshop in the middle of Birmingham and very knowledgable. Not cheap but you are paying for the experience and expertise.

They can also supply the steering column lower rod ujs
I idly read around this yesterday, and the upgrade seems like a really good idea. If I was in the market for this job again, I’d definitely look at this.