    
Richard Treacy
Grand Master
Username: richard_treacy
Post Number: 462
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, 30 November, 2004 - 02:13: |    |
In June 2003 I replaced the steering rack on my daily chariot, Turbo R HCH20037. Of course, it was leaking immediately after fitting. It takes a few months before the fluid starts to come from the convoluted seals, so you don't notice at first.
That rack was a 1989-1990 model year rack, so I bought the adaptor kit and improved lower steering link to suit. Useful is that you cannot reasonably connect the lower column linkage splines in the wrong spot, unlike all earlier racks where you can and often do. You no longer rely on the centring tool (a drill bit) to assure that the steering wheel is straight ahead.
Great, I thought, this will cure all. I was disappointed not to have a 1991 model year rack as they have an external backlash adjustment which is shown in the picture below. As with earlier racks, until the 1991 version, adjustment is tedious as you must remove and refit the spool valve assembly a few times to shim it correctly. Not that it matters mind you. I have not heard of a rack lasting long enough to wear before it leaks. Note the cast mounting brackets as opposed to the earlier fabricated ones.
The warranty replacement arrived this morning. Not bad since it was shipped from the UK on Friday. Great, it has the external adjustment introduced at chassis 30136: the later racks are interchageable with the 1989-onwards racks. I toyed with the idea of fitting an even faster ratio Continental T rack, but the cost was prohibitive. I wonder how long it will last this time.
Now I have a little job to do tomorrow night.
I suggest that, if you fit an exchange late-type rack, it is worthwhile insisting on one with the external adjustment. It may save removing the rack one day.
Bill C: does your new rack have the external adjustment as shown below, as I know yours is a 1989 onwards type:
Finger: external adjuster.
Thumb: keyed splines.
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