All,
I have started to do the stuff I need to do for IVA and one of the items I need to sort out are the rack extensions.. At the moment I have a lock nut on the end that connects to the rack but on the end with the joint I intended to just tighten into the joint.. Is this an acceptable way to fit the extension. I was thinking of drilling through and fitting a roll pin although should i need to replace the joint I would struggle to get the roll pin alignment correct on the new joint...

Opinions?

thanks
Dave B

It would be better to use a lock nut rather than drilling which would weaken the component IMHO

This came up not long ago and the general concensus was to use a locknut as it is possible for the rack arms to turn and unscrew. Me personally, I did as you suggested and screwed it right into the joint for SVA and nothing was said.

I will have to have a look to see if I have enough adjustment to add another nut.....

thanks

Dave B

That's a NO NO! You must have a locking device on all connections on the steering column.

This was the most serious fail point of the 11 points on my IVA - the steering extension connection bolts used to have locking tabs on the heads of the nuts, but they had broken off well before I got hold of it. The plate underneath the bolt heads was still there, but there was just a vestige of the tabs left. He suggested either getting a new locking tab plate, or getting some longer bolts which went right through, and fit nylocs. This is what I did.

This is one of the places which, whilst it is unlikely to come undone, if it does, the results could be fatal.

OOps, just re-read your post, I realise you are talking about rack extensions, and not column extension - so ignore me!!

Locktight always helps

I may go the loctite route... for thee connection to the ball joint and lock nut to the rack.

Dave B