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 Post subject: Steering rack
PostPosted: Mon Mar 01, 2021 6:15 pm 
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Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2016 9:53 pm
Posts: 1699
Location: Harrow Middlesex
Could someone measure the length and diameter of a Sprint steering rack for me, from the steering gaiter to gaiter.trying to see if a Rover 45 rack would fit ?

Thanks Dave


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 Post subject: Re: Steering rack
PostPosted: Tue Mar 02, 2021 1:33 am 
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Future Club member hopefully!
Future Club member hopefully!

Joined: Mon Dec 03, 2012 6:04 pm
Posts: 1549
https://www.macleansbridge.com/index.ph ... ring-racks

The dimensions are in the link above, at least the length ones. BTW, all Dolomite racks are the same.

A quick glance at the dimensions of the Dolly and the 45 makes me suspect the 45's rack is too wide.


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 Post subject: Re: Steering rack
PostPosted: Tue Mar 02, 2021 8:48 am 
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Joined: Wed Oct 04, 2006 9:49 pm
Posts: 960
Location: Sutton,Surrey.
If your after a power rack
I think the Maestro Montego rack can be used
Not done this myself so worth checking dimensions first.

_________________
2009 Mini Clubman Cooper S Daily Driver.
1980 Dolomite Sprint with a touch of BLTS
Balanced Lightened and Tweaked 13B Rotary and SuperCharged.
Back in my possession 22 September 2019.
Rebuilding the Sprint time taken so far, 111Hrs@15/12/2020
212Hrs @31/12/2021
352 @ 28/11/2022
455Hrs @ 20/10/2023
480Hrs @ 14/03/2024
This is time taken at the Sprint not necessary time worked.

Working on a ratio of just 7Hrs a day not including driving to the Sprint.
That equals to 68 days that doesn’t include weekends.
Member TDC no 0471

Project 13B Sprint now back on.


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 Post subject: Re: Steering rack
PostPosted: Tue Mar 02, 2021 10:53 pm 
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TDC Shropshire Area Organiser

Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:12 pm
Posts: 7015
Location: Highley, Shropshire
Quote:
If your after a power rack
I think the Maestro Montego rack can be used
Not done this myself so worth checking dimensions first.
I gather that the one that was actually used was from a LHD Montego, turned upside down (Maestros don't have power steering as standard though I have converted one with Montego bits) But that rack is rarer than rocking horse poo in the UK, it's probably a non starter.

The big problem with using a different app rack is duplicating the unusual angle between the pinion shaft and rack bar that the Dolomite employs. Most racks, the pinion shaft is at 90 degrees to the rack bar. Also, being as the rack is UNDER the sump, there's not a lot of room for a fatter PAS rack. Those 2 points are enough to justify seeking a column mounted electric solution.

Steve

_________________
'73 2 door Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!

Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.


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 Post subject: Re: Steering rack
PostPosted: Tue Mar 02, 2021 11:14 pm 
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TDC Member

Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2016 9:53 pm
Posts: 1699
Location: Harrow Middlesex
Quote:
https://www.macleansbridge.com/index.ph ... ring-racks

The dimensions are in the link above, at least the length ones. BTW, all Dolomite racks are the same.

A quick glance at the dimensions of the Dolly and the 45 makes me suspect the 45's rack is too wide.
Thanks for link


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 Post subject: Re: Steering rack
PostPosted: Tue Mar 02, 2021 11:17 pm 
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TDC Member

Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2016 9:53 pm
Posts: 1699
Location: Harrow Middlesex
Quote:
If your after a power rack
I think the Maestro Montego rack can be used
Not done this myself so worth checking dimensions first.
maestro,montego racks are rare and dear


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 Post subject: Re: Steering rack
PostPosted: Tue Mar 02, 2021 11:24 pm 
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TDC Member

Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2016 9:53 pm
Posts: 1699
Location: Harrow Middlesex
Quote:
Quote:
If your after a power rack
I think the Maestro Montego rack can be used
Not done this myself so worth checking dimensions first.
I gather that the one that was actually used was from a LHD Montego, turned upside down (Maestros don't have power steering as standard though I have converted one with Montego bits) But that rack is rarer than rocking horse poo in the UK, it's probably a non starter.

The big problem with using a different app rack is duplicating the unusual angle between the pinion shaft and rack bar that the Dolomite employs. Most racks, the pinion shaft is at 90 degrees to the rack bar. Also, being as the rack is UNDER the sump, there's not a lot of room for a fatter PAS rack. Those 2 points are enough to justify seeking a column mounted electric solution.

Steve
Ive just taken a punt on a rover 45 got it for £21,as you say not sure about the pinion shaft angle and the width of the rack, the electric column is my back up plan,but your end up losing some of the up and down movement from the column,as far as i can work out


Last edited by new to this on Tue Mar 02, 2021 11:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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 Post subject: Re: Steering rack
PostPosted: Tue Mar 02, 2021 11:29 pm 
Offline
TDC Shropshire Area Organiser

Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:12 pm
Posts: 7015
Location: Highley, Shropshire
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:
If your after a power rack
I think the Maestro Montego rack can be used
Not done this myself so worth checking dimensions first.
I gather that the one that was actually used was from a LHD Montego, turned upside down (Maestros don't have power steering as standard though I have converted one with Montego bits) But that rack is rarer than rocking horse poo in the UK, it's probably a non starter.

The big problem with using a different app rack is duplicating the unusual angle between the pinion shaft and rack bar that the Dolomite employs. Most racks, the pinion shaft is at 90 degrees to the rack bar. Also, being as the rack is UNDER the sump, there's not a lot of room for a fatter PAS rack. Those 2 points are enough to justify seeking a column mounted electric solution.

Steve
Ive just taken a punt on a rover 45 got it for £21,as you say not sure about the pinion shaft angle and the width of the rack
Will you use an engine powered pump or go electric over oil like the Vauxhall Astra/Zafiras do? If engine powered, what will you do for a pulley (or space to fit it with your new belt driven water pump)

Steve

_________________
'73 2 door Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!

Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.


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 Post subject: Re: Steering rack
PostPosted: Tue Mar 02, 2021 11:38 pm 
Offline
TDC Member

Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2016 9:53 pm
Posts: 1699
Location: Harrow Middlesex
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:


I gather that the one that was actually used was from a LHD Montego, turned upside down (Maestros don't have power steering as standard though I have converted one with Montego bits) But that rack is rarer than rocking horse poo in the UK, it's probably a non starter.

The big problem with using a different app rack is duplicating the unusual angle between the pinion shaft and rack bar that the Dolomite employs. Most racks, the pinion shaft is at 90 degrees to the rack bar. Also, being as the rack is UNDER the sump, there's not a lot of room for a fatter PAS rack. Those 2 points are enough to justify seeking a column mounted electric solution.

Steve
Ive just taken a punt on a rover 45 got it for £21,as you say not sure about the pinion shaft angle and the width of the rack
Will you use an engine powered pump or go electric over oil like the Vauxhall Astra/Zafiras do? If engine powered, what will you do for a pulley (or space to fit it with your new belt driven water pump)

Steve
Ive got a mercedes A class pump electric oil,same as used on Binky Project


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 Post subject: Re: Steering rack
PostPosted: Wed Mar 03, 2021 9:37 pm 
Offline
TDC Shropshire Area Organiser

Joined: Sun Aug 21, 2011 5:12 pm
Posts: 7015
Location: Highley, Shropshire
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:


Ive just taken a punt on a rover 45 got it for £21,as you say not sure about the pinion shaft angle and the width of the rack
Will you use an engine powered pump or go electric over oil like the Vauxhall Astra/Zafiras do? If engine powered, what will you do for a pulley (or space to fit it with your new belt driven water pump)

Steve
Ive got a mercedes A class pump electric oil, same as used on Binky Project


From experience you will need a BIG battery and something like 150-180 amp alternator to power it. Their only drawback is they are extremely power hungry, at least the Vauxhall one is! I've had several Vauxhalls that have displayed PAS failure or stiff steering at low revs which have turned out to be nothing to do with the PAS and everything to do with an underperforming alternator or a duff battery. I'd also recommend running a multiV belt

Don't know much about the Merc pump, the Vauxhall one runs on a variant of Citroen LHM fluid, whereas I believe the Rover rack runs on a conventional TQF. Check carefully for mismatches like this!

Steve

_________________
'73 2 door Toledo with Vauxhall Carlton 2.0 8v engine (The Carledo)
'78 Sprint Auto with Vauxhall Omega 2.2 16v engine (The Dolomega)
'72 Triumph 1500FWD in Slate Grey, Now with RWD and Carledo powertrain!

Maverick Triumph, Servicing, Repairs, Electrical, Recomissioning, MOT prep, Trackerjack brake fitting service.
Apprentice served Triumph Specialist for 50 years. PM for more info or quotes.


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 Post subject: Re: Steering rack
PostPosted: Wed Mar 03, 2021 10:21 pm 
Offline
TDC Member

Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2016 9:53 pm
Posts: 1699
Location: Harrow Middlesex
Quote:
Quote:
Quote:


Will you use an engine powered pump or go electric over oil like the Vauxhall Astra/Zafiras do? If engine powered, what will you do for a pulley (or space to fit it with your new belt driven water pump)

Steve
Ive got a mercedes A class pump electric oil, same as used on Binky Project


From experience you will need a BIG battery and something like 150-180 amp alternator to power it. Their only drawback is they are extremely power hungry, at least the Vauxhall one is! I've had several Vauxhalls that have displayed PAS failure or stiff steering at low revs which have turned out to be nothing to do with the PAS and everything to do with an underperforming alternator or a duff battery. I'd also recommend running a multiV belt

Don't know much about the Merc pump, the Vauxhall one runs on a variant of Citroen LHM fluid, whereas I believe the Rover rack runs on a conventional TQF. Check carefully for mismatches like this!

Steve
Steve

Thanks for the info,ill check on the fluid

Dave


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 Post subject: Re: Steering rack
PostPosted: Thu Mar 04, 2021 8:32 pm 
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TDC Member
User avatar

Joined: Wed Oct 04, 2006 9:49 pm
Posts: 960
Location: Sutton,Surrey.
On the Merc A Class pump they did modify it a few times.
Do you have the part number on the pump at all.
Or know exactly which model it came off.

_________________
2009 Mini Clubman Cooper S Daily Driver.
1980 Dolomite Sprint with a touch of BLTS
Balanced Lightened and Tweaked 13B Rotary and SuperCharged.
Back in my possession 22 September 2019.
Rebuilding the Sprint time taken so far, 111Hrs@15/12/2020
212Hrs @31/12/2021
352 @ 28/11/2022
455Hrs @ 20/10/2023
480Hrs @ 14/03/2024
This is time taken at the Sprint not necessary time worked.

Working on a ratio of just 7Hrs a day not including driving to the Sprint.
That equals to 68 days that doesn’t include weekends.
Member TDC no 0471

Project 13B Sprint now back on.


Top
   
 Post subject: Re: Steering rack
PostPosted: Thu Mar 04, 2021 9:50 pm 
Offline
TDC Member

Joined: Mon Dec 12, 2016 9:53 pm
Posts: 1699
Location: Harrow Middlesex
Quote:
On the Merc A Class pump they did modify it a few times.
Do you have the part number on the pump at all.
Or know exactly which model it came off.
Cant get to where the car is a the moment covid, the pump is inside the car,but the important bit is can i work out how to mount the rack first,if that doesnt work out, ill go to plan B,the corsa B column,but that has problems as well,id lose some of the steering column adjustment,

Dave


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