expected play in steering arms?

[sam JFM]

Evening - I have just finished checking the car for its track day on Wednesday and have picked up some play in the steering ( hold the wheel at 9 and 3 + wiggle) on both sides

How much should I expect? It's bad timing really as im going to be.pushed to change them if they need doing!

 

[NorthloopCup]

None. It's either the steering arms or the track rods that are knackered. Worthwhile checking the lock nut for the track rod adjuster is tight as well.

 

[sam JFM]

New track rods it is then - what's the quick way to.change them?

I have done them before but remember it being a pain

 

[NorthloopCup]

You can buy the tools to replace them off eBay mate. The type I've used before is called 'wrack wrench' and they're definitely available on eBay. About £35 iirc.

 

[sam JFM]

Apparently there are two types of rack, ( never had this last time i,m sure)!


Where are the ID marks on each rack?

 

[NorthloopCup]

Just get arms for an smi rack. That's the only one I've seen on the 1*2's. Failing that look at the steering rack and you'll find the original sticker with the part number on.

 

[sam JFM]

It's was the one with the long arms - see how it drives tomorrow with "string" tracking

 

[NorthloopCup]

It's was the one with the long arms - see how it drives tomorrow with "string" tracking

If you used the proper string method it should be pretty accurate tbh mate. I'm lucky enough to have my own set of Dunlop tracking gauges, camber gauge and corner weight scales.

 

[sam JFM]

Lol get you!

It's as close as I could get it - well worth doing as it was miles out!

 

[DomP182]

Eh what's string tracking? Could do with a rough guide to checking tracking

 

[Chip-mk1]

Eh what's string tracking? Could do with a rough guide to checking tracking

You put two bits of string down the sides of the car by placing them on two very accurately measured bits of metal, and then measure the distance to the string (actually fishing wire as its thinner) from the front and rear of each tyre.

Takes quite a while to centralise but is a good way to do it, requires a flat floor though.

Josh cook has quite a neat setup for doing it, me and Lesley have both done our cars using his when he leant it to Dan@SJM.

I must make a similar setup myself once im sorted in the new house

 

[Chip-mk1]

None.

This, should be absolutely no play at all and if there is it will really effect the feel/handling of the car.

 

[sam JFM]

It was ok not perfect but ok for a quick job. I will do a better job now I have time