Front End Probs Now :) Hellllp !

January 6, 2006

Howdy guys.

OK as some of you will have read recently, I had a 20mph crash into a wall ... damn snow lol.

Anyway I have been busy rebuilding the snapped rear suspension bars, only to find now when I go to drive the car that the steering 'slops' from side to side.

Further investigation today reveals a bent 'bar' not sure what its called? i.e. tie-in bar perhaps ? but its bent lol heres some pics :

So my questions guys are please...

1. Whats the technical name for the bent bar ?

2. What am I lookin to pay UK Pounds for one ?

3. Are they easy to fit ? bare in mind I only have a standard socket set :(

Thanks in advance.

Matt

January 6, 2006

Steering rack tie rod. It can be straightened but not really advisable. The tie rods can be replaced (Steering rack out jobbie) But there`s always the possibility that the rack may have been damaged as well. The rack can be rebuilt but realistically you`ll be better off getting a decent S/H one. :thumbsup:

January 7, 2006

Yep I'm with Dak you can heat them and straighten them but it will always be weak and you really want it off to straighten it. And you need to drill out the locking pin and put a speacial pin back in, not a split pin. (that's with other steering rack's never seen a gen 5 rack split).

You would be better getting a second hand rack if possible.

Be wary of recon racks I have had loads of problems with them. You can get manufacturers recon racks you could try that but it aint gonna be cheap.

January 7, 2006

Expensive job changing the steering rack.

Think it's an engine out job.

Going to cost the best part £500 easily I'm afraid :(

January 7, 2006

Expensive job changing the steering rack.
Think it's an engine out job.
Going to cost the best part £500 easily I'm afraid :(
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It`s not an engine out job. But you will have to remove the front to rear cross member (4 bolts), Lower crossmember (6 bolts) propshaft (4 bolts) and release the rear engine mount (1 bolt). And the rear of the gearbox will need to be moved up slightly to facilitate removal of the rack through the access hole, so best to have it on a trolley jack. Also you`ll have to remove the PAS pipes to the rack and drain the fluid. (Messy.) Don`t forget to make a note of which pipe goes where. (Inlet and outlet) The rack is held on with two clamps (1bolt in each) and the bolt to the steering column universal joint. All in all it`s an afternoons job. :thumbsup: