Play in steering ph1 172...help pls

[Alex_X93]

Basically had mot today car went thru fine just advisory rear shocks which had I expected. Being on a four post ramp at friendly garage the car was given the once over. From the way it drives thought I possibly had worn ball joint(s), top mount(s), steering uj or combination of all 3. On closer all of the above didnt seem badly worn but on closer inspection when holding the bar that connects the track rod ends to the rack a knock and play can be felt!! Im told I need a new rack is this true?? any ideas what they cost or how big a job this would be? Does any one have any experience in this area cos a rack sounds expensive but I would like to rectify the steering play issues , b4 today I was going to replace shocks x4 + all top mounts and both lower arms complete with ball joints in the hope that would freshen it up a bit and solve the sometimes vague steering feel but now unsure what to do next....

 

[Alex_X93]

BUMP^^

 

[Fred@BTM]

i'm in the same boat, new track rods oh they're a bag of laughs to fit!

 

[Alex_X93]

is that inner or outer track rods fred? Iv been thru all of this with my raider ahh! inners + nylon rack bush, outer track rods and still wasnt quite like new when sold know it needed a rack/uj possibly new colum if fussy to be just rite! The 5 was quite basic in comparison and had no power steering can imagine I dont want the hassle of having to buy/fit the rack on a clio?! , any ideas how bad a job this mite be?? Hoped it was a simpleish uj but the knock on clio is definatly NOT coming from the outer track rods they seem solid it can only be noticed when holding the bar that connects outers to inners on rack. With front jacked up on 4 poster if you move wheels side to side the play on the bar is there!! I dont think its a uj cos im thinking that would be between steering wheel and rack vertically not on the horizontal so thus only components left through elimination are inner track rods and the rack itself! and possibly a rubish anti knock nylon bush on one side of the rack. Im gona have to check again on both sides for play then nitemare.... price up a genuine rack?

 

[Russ_16v]

iv just replaced the track rods on my ph1 mate due to the same problem,rods and rod ends came to about 120 quid,feels great now

 

[GarethM]

i need mine doing or the steering rack

any idea on prices on a steering rack?

 

[Alex_X93]

Genuine arround 320 ish + vat if I remember, thats with -75 exchange for your rack already deducted..

 

[GarethM]

scrap yard it is then