Steering rack play

[Radugns]

Hello,

Yesterday when I went home I feel like a play in the steering rack. I am sure is from the steering rack as all the other steering components are new. The play feels like the steering wheel is disconnected from the steering rack, same in all angle positions, for about 1/2" of movement of the steering wheel. I've read about a screw that can adjust that play? Or that one is only for rack and pinion play?
There was something strange also, as today there was no play and everything runs fine.
Maybe I've got air in the pipes? I've replaced the fluid last year and the pump this year, the fluid is between min and max level.

I am thinking of the connection between the column and the rack cause this, but really don't know how to work there.

Thanks,
Radu

 

[robzracing]

Check the steering rack bushes first.


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[Radugns]

They are fine, no problem there. The play simply disappear after the car stops and strat again.

 

[White16valver]

So it has play ... you turn the engine off ... you start it again ... the play is gone?

 

[Radugns]

Well not alwasys, sometimes I have to let the car over night. Do you know how to check from inside the car the connection from the column to rack? I think it is possible.

 

[bozothenutter]

How long ago was the rack put on?
Are the UJ's in the same position relative to each other?
How did you bleed the rack?
If you lift both wheels off the ground....and wiggle them, do you feel any play?
One if the members had rubber removed from one of the UJ's and then had it welded.

Weird problem to have....

 

[Radugns]

TBH I did not remove the rack since 2016 when I got the car. I've bleed the rack about 2 months ago. I think there might be a play with both wheels off the ground, I will check this weekend.
Which rubber? Can the problem be from the connection between the column and rack? Can I see that from inside the car?

 

[White16valver]

Have you checked:

- ball joints (for any play)
- steering rack arms (both ends - the wheel end and the rack end - because Mk1s sometimes have play where the arm meets the rack)
- the power steering pump is operating correctly
- the wheel nuts are tight
- the wheel bearings do not have any play (jack it up and try to rock the top and bottom of the wheels in and out)

It is strange that it is inconsistent!

 

[Brigsy]

Check the steering column is not worn out, they have a bush like the old valvers used to that can wear, somebody had the same issue a while ago

 

[Radugns]

Have you checked:

- ball joints (for any play)
- steering rack arms (both ends - the wheel end and the rack end - because Mk1s sometimes have play where the arm meets the rack)
- the power steering pump is operating correctly
- the wheel nuts are tight
- the wheel bearings do not have any play (jack it up and try to rock the top and bottom of the wheels in and out)

It is strange that it is inconsistent!

IMO yes, everything you said is right. Maybe the steering pump does not work corectly? Can this have a play only sometimes?
All the parts were replaced last year with Oe or Lemforder.
The first time got that play was on a 10 hour trip. Then on a 2 hour trip. And each time in the morning problem was solved.

 

[Radugns]

Check the steering column is not worn out, they have a bush like the old valvers used to that can wear, somebody had the same issue a while ago

Where I can find that bush?

 

[Radugns]

I look over the column till enters the boot inside the car. Looks perfect, not play at all. How can that boot be removed?(picture)

If i move the steering wheel fast left right I can heat a knock like a worn steering rod.

The only problem as mentioned above is the inconsistancy.

The steering pump was bought as being in good condition, I have only changed the seal and assemble again. No problems in two months, no leaks or something wrong.

Thanks

 

[R3k1355]

All steering components are new? So you installed new track rods and track rod ends?

Did you use genuine Renault parts?

 

[Radugns]

I have used Genuine parts and Lemforder parts (ball joints). All the parts were used as daily for around 15k miles. I think this is not much.
Today I drive for around an hour, no issues at all.

 

[hipwell]

The universal joint from rack to collum is behind a big rubber bung through the drivers side wheel arch, it's held together by a pinch bolt.

 

[Radugns]

The universal joint from rack to collum is behind a big rubber bung through the drivers side wheel arch, it's held together by a pinch bolt.

So you can saw it only from the ouside. It is hard to access it? Or by removing the wheel arch and whell you can?
Thanks

 

[hipwell]

So you can saw it only from the ouside. It is hard to access it? Or by removing the wheel arch and whell you can?
Thanks

Yep outside the car.

Remove driver's arch liner and youl see it.

Pain in the arse to reach, I had the subframe down and it was still awkward, probz easy on a ramp though but I was on the drive

 

[Usr117063]

You can get to the bolt inside the car, 13mm ratchet spanner and it doesnt take long

 

[Radugns]

You can get to the bolt inside the car, 13mm ratchet spanner and it doesnt take long

From that pictured rubber boot?
Thanks

 

[Usr117063]

From that pictured rubber boot?
Thanks

Yeah just pull the boot to get to it, will need a bit of force though

 

[Radugns]

I remove the rubber and check the bolt on the rack, it was fine.
When there is the play, I am sure that the rack itself does turn together with the steering wheel.
I could not feel any play on the rods or end rods.
After some hours the play is gone. But, it only happens when is very hot outside.
After some time when everythig cools down a little, normal driving.

A steering rack for 172 LHD is hard to find used...and new...is 500£.
Any ideas?

Thanks,
Radu

 

[Usr117063]

Might need to be rebuilt, not sure though.

You could get a quick rack with epas, that would be a lot cheaper than 500 and is a great upgrade

 

[Radugns]

Might need to be rebuilt, not sure though.

You could get a quick rack with epas, that would be a lot cheaper than 500 and is a great upgrade

From what car can I get the epas rack?
I know the RS is quicker than Thalia/Symbol.
Thanks

 

[Usr117063]

From what car can I get the epas rack?
I know the RS is quicker than Thalia/Symbol.
Thanks

Many threads on epas with much info. Non sport clios, dci etc...