593
Overhauling a steering rack on
an MGBGTV8
Jim Livingstone acquired his MGBGTV8 (Glacier White 1810) from
Dr Chris Ward who had the car restored by a specialist in Northumberland.
Here Jim provides a detailed note on his overhaul of the steering
rack.
See
the full six page V8NOTE593
Posted: 200527 |
Rack & pinion sectioned view
Jim Livingstone feels the steering rack is one of the most
durable and reliable mechanical components fitted to the MGB
and the rack on his MGBGTV8 bears testament to the design and
manufacturing quality of the original Cam Gears product that
it survived unserviced for over 45 years. Here he describes
how he overhauled his steering rack and found no major rework
was necessary so it gives added confidence that the steering
system is fit for a further 45 years.
There was no obvious play or noises from his 46 year old rack
but a small oil leak was evident from the offside gaiter and
there was a split in the seal of the left track rod end. The
appropriate parts together with a selection of UNF self-locking
nuts were purchased in advance. At the time of writing (2020)
oil seals and gaiters are available as are the rack bushing,
pinion bearing and internal ball joint lock nut. |
Aligning upper and lower shafts of the column
The internal ball joints and the pinion to rack clearances
are adjustable so the effects of limited wear in these parts
can be eliminated. No special tools are required but a large
set of pipe gripping pliers would prove invaluable when adjusting
the inner ball joints. Accurate alignment of the upper steering
column and the rack input shaft is required to avoid excessive
loading of the column and rack bearings. This is achieved by
ensuring that the projected axes of both shafts intersect and
this can be confirmed using a simple alignment tool. In essence,
the components of the tool simulate the universal joint with
alignment points at its centre of articulation. Moss at www.moss-europe.co.uk
sell a suitable kit under part number 453-622.
See
the full illustrated article |
