3 replies to this topic

[molemot]

I'm about to start on the front end of the beast, the back end seeming happy after the last winter's gearbox, rear wheel bearings and bushes effort. She did an uncomplaining 1500 miles or so in a couple of weeks....So, I have a new steering rack, bushes, track rod ends and U/Js, new anti roll bar bushes, an upgraded 4 pot braking system and the trunnionless upright conversion. The latter is being left off until I hear about the Esprit dedicated upgrade....

Anyway, I know that there is a correct way to install the steering column U/Js...but my copy of the "Servicing Notes" doesn't have that particular bit! If any of you guys have the relevant section, I would appreciate a copy....and any advice from anyone who has been down this bit of the trail before, too!!

[mc21.8]

http://www.thelotusf...__fromsearch__1

[jonwat]

Hi John,

I seem to remember whipping the rack off my S3 many years ago in order to replace a split bellows & worn UJ.

Nothing tricky about it, just make a note of the UJ orientation before you remove them from the column, don't over tighten the clamp bolts when you refit them & don't forget to pour a half litre of gear oil into the rack before you refit it, although if you're fitting a recon rack it should come already lubed.

If you measure the overall length of the rack before you remove the track rod ends then you should be able to get the tracking pretty close on the new rack,

[semi42]

As I recall, the uj's are mis-aligned by 30 degrees . 30 degrees to the left on a right hand drive ,30 degrees to the right on a left hooker ( or vice versa)