Steering Rack Issues

[Yoke]

Okay I just got a call from a friend, and he has his TR in the shop for his out of province inspection. They were checking out the steering and suspension when they noticed some play in the inner tie rod. So he ordered one and had it sent out, but when they went to replace it they figured out the inner bushing was worn out. "Bushing"??? I've never had a rack apart but supposedly you can't get a replacement part anywhere and the alignment guys probably won't pass it due to the play in the steering arm.

Has anyone ever encountered this problem? I have a couple spare racks lying around and I'm hoping one's good enough for him to pass inspection, but it would be nice to get a heads up so I can start working on finding a solution to the problem.

Can't save them all but I am trying!!!

[Ferris]

I got bushings when I rebuilt my rack from Coventry West here in the states - they build racks for Jaguars, but were able to get what I needed once I gave them the dimensions of the tube and the rack gear itself.

Truthfully, though, by the time I bought the bushings, gaiters, inner tie rods, and the pinion plunger + seal setup I had $125 in the parts. You can get a reman rack, ready to bolt in for about $200.

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Kevin Anderson
1980 TR7 DHC
1974.5 MGB GT
1990 Jaguar XJ40

[Hasbeen]

Yoke, I presume you'r talking about the socket, that takes the
inboard end of the steering arm, inside the rack.

If thats right, & the bit has not collapsed, a suitable shim behind
it will take out any play.

If the thing is stuffed, you can turn one up, out of rod stock
nylon, 6 6. A wood lathe, & tools will suffice if nothing else is
available.

You could also make one out of brass, if a machine shop is
available, & getting the bit is a major problem.

Hasbeen