Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing Plus8 steering rack

I’ve just had the car go through the controle technique (MOT) and got an advisory for uneven tyre wear, tracking and play in the steering - there is absolutely no play at the wheel.

I know the kingpins and bushes need changing (I pumped them full of grease immediately before the test) so started the strip down today. The track rod ends are fine though the boots are cracked so I’ll change the ends whilst it’s apart, and there is a little wear in the inner track rod bushes which again I’ll replace.

My concern is I’ve noticed that the centre section of the rack can be rotated a few degrees back and forth - is this normal? I spotted this as I was undoing one of the track rod ends that the other end was moving up and down.

Thanks

Mike if it's the Jack Knight version and you want to bag a spare one, Colsmog has one for sale

https://www.talkmorgan.com/ubbthrea...ale-15-motolita-steering-rack#Post819539

Thanks Jon, that might be needed!

The rack is off a Mog I once owned, so should be a good condition

Note the steering rack pre-load may need adjusting Mike. A DaveW post here on the job which can be done in-situ. The plastic plunger can expand and jam in the hollow steel adjuster compromising its spring loading as well, so worth checking.

Note also I found the track rod end rubber dust covers can appear to be split but its just underseal the factory spray everywhere cracking.

Definitely holed - the grease inside is dirty and dried out

Good news is the dust covers are readily available as generic items and don't believe suppliers who claim they will fit your Morgan. Measure major and minor diameters and order accordingly.

BTW found a more specific thread on the steering rack pre-load issue here.

Thanks Jon, that’s a useful thread.

I’m going to replace both track rod ends, they’re not expensive (depends where you buy them of course), and I need to replace the track rod inner bushes as there’s a bit of slop in them. I’m going to pull the steering rack off this morning…

Yes as Richard V6 said a rack preload check is a good idea from time to time as this also stops the rotation in the rack element within the outer tube which will accentuate the wear to the slot the spacers run in if allowed to rotate, these are behind the the inboard track rod end connections. Dependent on the age of your car it will have either the Jack Knight rack or the later version by Quaife fitted from about the inception of the 1986 Duratec cars I think!. I have posted quite an in-depth explanation some time ago on rack servicing here, search sewin posts. If its the later rack universal gaiters are available on the Bay, cut to size and are superior to Morgan supplied one's. The Jack knight version is not so easy to source or fit as its a one piece item. fragile and expensive too. I believe there are option which fit, Saab have one I think but hopefully someone will jump in here and supply a known option for you. You can fit a later Quaife rack to replace the J/K option and gaiter wise its a better bet. If its a J/K take coopermans advice and buy the one for sale, £70 is a bargain as opposed to a grand for a new one! First rule is centre the steering before removing anything an mark everything else as, well lets just say, refitting the rack is a variable thing!

For sliding pins and bushes if you don't have the correct tooling to fit them send them to Cain at Wolf performance. He has a quick turnaround fitting top quality hard chrome pins and grease keyed bushes. The job will be first class and clearance tolerances correct. He only needs the hub elements but make sure you state which pins you need. Flat top, older version or dome top for cars with camber adjustment, 2012 on I think.
You are welcome to PM me if you want to talk it through.

Thank you.

At the moment the whole front end is stripped off so it’ll be getting a full alignment check once I get it back together again.

For the king pins and bushes I’ve tried contacting Cain but no response or replies to email, so I’m booked in with Mulfab, I’ll bring the stub axles with me when we’re in the UK next month.

It’s a 2000 car and has the JK rack, complete with slop and split boot, so the used one is looking attractive. The rack is now on the bench so I’ll be having a look at it this afternoon.