I’m in a quandary at the moment. I failed the SVA because the steering rack turned too far.

I.e. on full lock it allowed the flexible to touch the wishbone and pulled at the flexible, whilst on the other side the track rod end touched the wing bracket.

Whilst the flexible touching was not an issue to them because it was braded and in normal conditions was well clear, the touching and stretching was.

Last night I took the gators off to measure the rack at the point just before the hose touched the wishbone. This was 30mm from the full travel of the rack but appeared to give what might be a poor turning circle.

I was going to use a pipe over the rack to limit the movement and cut the 30mm lengths, but this morning I’m in two minds. What if the turning circle is very poor? I will have to take it all apart again, set tracking etc etc etc.

Now should I

a. not worry about the flexi touching, wrap it in spiral conduit to protect the powder coating and set the restrictor to prevent fouling and stretching of the track rod and flexi
b. set the restrictor to prevent touching and then re do after the test

The other problem is should I?
a. use a pipe and if it is too long take the rack apart each time till it is right
b. Use a jubilee clip and just keep moving it till I get to the right point. I feel this is by far the easiest option as the tracking etc do not have to be reset each time

The tester did say “I’ve even seen jubilee clips used, but I’m not telling you to do that” I think it was a helping idea with out telling me what to do.

Over to you lads I need a consensus on this problem as time till the retest is running out.

Ditch

I used a 10mm split length of 32mm ally tubing secured with a cable tie, so you don't have to dismantle the rack - worked a treat for me and Mr SVA didn't even see it at it was under the gaitor.

If the hose is too tight, can you try re-routing it to get a bit more slack - failing that get a longer one


[Edited on 13-7-07 by RazMan]

Fit jubilee clips and adjust until it's right, then cut sleeves to that length ? . So you only do it once

Hi

The Pinto valve springs worked perfectly on mine.

They also help the self centering.

They are dead easy to fit as well.

I'm not using mine any more so if you want them let me know your address and I'll post them up to you.


This is what MK use on the cars they build.

Stu

[Edited on 13/7/07 by whitestu]

many thanks.

Razman i now understand previous posts, great idea to split along the length and than tie into place.

macbeast the words of experience, i will use the clips then check the tuening circle and then cut and fit the pipe.

by restricting the lock i will eliminate the pull on the flexible. as well as the fouling.


ditch

I split a spare poly suspension bush popped it over then tie wrapped to keep it closed.
Theyre still in there now, the turning circle is fine for me even with no reverse

Machine some aluminium spacers (or get someone to machine some for you) to fit over the rack to limit the amount of lock.

PS - Didn't David Jenkins offer to machine some for you if you provided the dimensions?

Phil

hi hellfire.

in the long run i will take david up on his kind offer. as i would like the restrictor to be a perminant and well engineered solution.

i'm currently working out the dim's but i'm up against time, the wife has a full calander for the remaining days up to the retest in 2.5 weeks. i have only a couple of nights left to effect the required modifications. i have 3 hours tonight and 3 hours tomorrow, and the same next weekend. so i'm just looking for a quick fix for the moment untill the real work can commence.

i still have to limit the rack, improve a bracket, install new seats and give the engine a tune.

ditch

Hi, i got some large nylon penny washers(M12 and about 30mm outside diameter x 3mm thick) from a local nut n bolt specialist, cut a slit in them center to edge, file or drill bore out to suit and they will twist and clip over the rack arms. Add and remove as required, think i only needed 3 per side on mine.