Steering Rack

[D16PJM]

How hard is it to replace the steering rack on a 1850, i have done a search and there seems to be talk of lifting the engine to get to one mount, any information would be great.

Pete

[MIG Wielder]

Hi Pete, Its not too bad a job to replace the rack on an 1850. You'll need a ball-joint splitter for the track rod ends and the retaining nuts may need gentle warming to release them. The offside mount is the one that seems to give trouble on some cars. A lot depends on exactly how new ( or old ) the engine mounts are as to how close the edge of the sump is to the rack mount. Now some mounts are also in 2 pieces; the long U-bolt and the actual clamp. These are easier to extract as the U-bolt can be wiggled out sideways followed by the clamp.
I think its the later cars that have the U-clamp welded to the bracket.
A trolley jack under the sump with a block of timber to spread the load helps to lift the engine a bit if needed.
There is a thick spacer plate under the nearside clamp which must be replaced on re-assembly.
Use polybush rack mountings for better location and long life.
HTH,
Tony.

[Richard the old one]

When you come to fit the plate under the nearside mount look at it carefully a work out which way you have to push it, forward or towards the back of the car to move the U bolt sideways and so hold the poly mount tight with no movement of the steering rack. The workshop manuals fail to cover this.

[D16PJM]

Thanks for the advise, i have a new rack in my loft, are they the same for all dolomite's or model specific, i may as well order 2 new track rod ends and new mounts.

Pete

[xvivalve]

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=33805

Item 21?

[D16PJM]

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=33805

Item 21?

I have just emailed club spares, i was hoping to fit next weekend so the auction may be a bit late, i would be happy to pay the club price for Jon's mounts but understand that isn't how the auction works

Pete

[MIG Wielder]

Thanks for the advise, i have a new rack in my loft, are they the same for all dolomite's or model specific,
Pete

Yes, from the parts book all 1300, 1500 , 1850 and Sprint models have the same RKC271 rack.
The only differences are if you have an LHD car ... or one from Switzerland; for some reason
Tony.