THE ROVER SD1 FORUM

tommosredone · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 1:15 pm Post subject: Vitesse Rack worn out

Hello all!
I've just spotted my front tyres are worn down to the cord (!), they were ok about 500 miles ago.
Jacked up the drivers front, found that the steering rack has loads of play. I can move the front wheel about 5 degrees each way without the other wheel twitching.
I took the gaiter off, and the rack itself (inside the steering rack assy moves up and down to a huge degree.
I think it's a Camgears rack. I've taken all the shims out of the damper plate, a little better, but i think the bushes/bearings are u/s.
Question: Are the Rimmers ex-India racks any good. I recall someone saying that they had fitted one, but it was quick to wear out?
Anyone here tried one?
Should I look out for a decent secondhand one?
Can I rebuild my own rack?
This problem will also account for my lack of directional stability at high speed Shocked

Cheers,
Tommo

_________________
I wish I could make my own petrol.

Chris P · Posted: Mon Sep 24, 2007 6:20 pm Post subject: Re: Vitesse Rack worn out

tommosredone wrote:

Question: Are the Rimmers ex-India racks any good. I recall someone saying that they had fitted one, but it was quick to wear out?
Anyone here tried one?

I fitted an ex-India rack about 500 miles ago and all seems OK so far.

I believe the problem Rimmers had was the seals had degraded while
in storage in India - so leaked after a short time. The racks they now
sell have been stripped and refurbished - the original India bargain
price of 90 quid or something like that is now 150 quid to allow for the
refurbishment cost, but that's still pretty cheap for what it is.

tommosredone · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 12:38 pm Post subject:

Thanks Chris.
Was it an easy job to change racks?
Manual mentions jacking engine up...
I don't fancy that too much!
Cheers

_________________
I wish I could make my own petrol.

Chris P · Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 6:57 pm Post subject:

It wasn't a difficult job - but I am only an assistant to my motor
mechanic Uncle!

Yes, the engine has to be jacked up so the rack can be slid out.
Only a case of supporting the engine, removing the mounts and
jacking it an inch or two. I guess another way of doing it might
be to drop the sub-frame?