Steering rack.

[macdonald.dm]

Got myself a reconditioned rack for my Mk3 Cortina-based Berli as the exisiting one has noticable play (still passed the MOT tho'!).

It looks like a straight-forward job without any bodywork having to be removed - can anyone confirm this is the case before I start (cursing...)?

Any other tips/peculiarities to note would also be welcome!

Many thanks.

[amalgamated users from prior forum]

Re: Steering rack.

Message originally posted by: Sue Roedel (MOC Editor)
Hi Donnie

I can confirm this is a "straight forward" job, in that, you don't have to take the car to pieces to fit the rack but make sure it is centered or you will have the same problem that I encountered and just wrote about in the Aug/Sep06 PITSTOP....It will certainly improve the play you have there.

[amalgamated users from prior forum]

Re: Steering rack.

Message originally posted by: Donnie.
Thanks Sue.

Yes, I've just read about your trials! Happy New Tracking.

[Dane_Rescueman]

Re: Steering rack.

Donnie,

Whilst you are at it, obtain the superflex polyurethane mounting bushes for the rack. You will enjoy the extra feel and crispness.
Demon tweeks etc sell them.
Cheers and good luck !

[amalgamated users from prior forum]

Re: Steering rack.

Message originally posted by: Donnie.
Thanks Dane, I know that's good advice.

I bet they'll cost more than I paid for the rack...

[amalgamated users from prior forum]

Re: Steering rack.

Message originally posted by: Sue Roedel (MOC Editor)
Have a word with Brian Gadd as he still has a load of Superflex bushes for sale under Miscellaneous in the last mag...

[macdonald.dm]

Re: Steering rack.

Thanks Sue, I've emailed him.

I suspect it's a long shot tho'...!

[macdonald.dm]

Re: Steering rack.

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!

I was hoping to come on here and report what a pleasure it is to tackle a straight-forward job for a change...

It all went extremely well until it came to fitting the new rack - the (at)*&*^%-ing thing has a slightly different body thickness, so the original size bushes won't fit. For pity's sakes...

As a guide, the larger of the two bushes for the new rack requires an INTERNAL hole size of 45mm wide and high (although it is 'arch'-shaped like the original) whereas the original bush is only about 37mm wide internally. The smaller bushes also differ by a similar amount.

Any ideas which rack I have? It was sold as for Mk3-5 Cortina, and appears to be identical in every other respect.

I've just emailed the seller, but would appreciate other inputs too (always nice to have back-up info!)

My sloppy old rack is back on - how annoying is it to have to do that?!!!

Thanks.

[macdonald.dm]

Re: Steering rack.

Latest info: The seller has said he's sold 1,000 Cortina racks over that last 30 years and has never had anyone ask him about the different bush size. Also, the bush manufacturers I've been in touch with say they know of only one size for the Cortina...

I'm wondering if it's my ORIGINAL rack that's the odd one out, and the new one is proper Cortina?!

What I really need to find out is if the larger of the two bushes (the one nearest the steering column) is meant to have a 45mm wide INTERNAL hole or 37mm?

Anyone with a bush or rack lying around near a tape measure?

Thanks.

[danny_nelson]

Re: Steering rack.

Donnie I am trying to find out for you. Some builders use to fit escort racks with there track rod ends changed. I will be in touch as soon as I am able to confirm dimensions.

[macdonald.dm]

Re: Steering rack.

Fantastic Danny, much appreciated.

[macdonald.dm]

Re: Steering rack.

Fait accompli!

Based on what you said about Escort racks, Danny, I managed to find out that the bushes for these are very similar in size to the ones I currently have on the car, so I've gone ahead and ordered new Cortina bushes as it's now very likely this is what I have in the reconditioned rack!

Fingers crossed.

[danny_nelson]

Re: Steering rack.

I am sure you have gone in the right direction.

[macdonald.dm]

Re: Steering rack.

I hope so - but will the car?


Many thanks again - I owe you sooo many pints!

[macdonald.dm]

Re: Steering rack.

How awkward can things get? On a 'Cortina' website I saw a reference to 'Deflex' polyurethane bushes,and, sure enough, they do ones for the rack.

Placed my order and waited... and waited.

Emailed them - emails returned. Phoned them - and phone just rings...

So, anyone know if Deflex have gone out of business?!!

All I want is my rack fitted - oh, and some hockey stick trim.