Finding Steering rack true center

[Scotsdave]

As above really.

Turns out my steering rack isn't quite centered and I can get more lock on the drivers side. Is there a easy way of measuring the center without removing the rack from the car?

I was thinking of measuring from the end of the rack body (if i can as the gaitor is in the way) to the end of each arm with the TRE removed and making sure each side is the same length.

Would the method above work or is there a really simple way that I'm missing?

Any help would be great.

Cheers Davie

[steve_weegie]

Angle dial and a plumb line on the steering wheel? Measure how many degrees it is from lock to lock, divide by 2 and add / subtract the result?

[alicrozier]

Are the effective lenghts of the Track Rods the same? They need to be for bump steer.
Count the exposed threads each side at the TRE.

Sounds like the steering wheel or rack has been replaced in the past (not in the right place) and corrected by toe adjustment in the TRE's?

I'd suggest it would be best to equalise the TRE's first (setting the toe correctly) then reposition the steering wheel to suit...

..or am I missing that you think the rack is not central in the car?

[Scotsdave]

Are the effective lenghts of the Track Rods the same? They need to be for bump steer.
Count the exposed threads each side at the TRE.

Sounds like the steering wheel or rack has been replaced in the past (not in the right place) and corrected by toe adjustment in the TRE's?

I'd suggest it would be best to equalise the TRE's first (setting the toe correctly) then reposition the steering wheel to suit...

..or am I missing that you think the rack is not central in the car?

Your bang on, I replaced the rack a while ago and I thought I had it ceteralised but it isn't and as you say its corrected by toe adjustment in the TRE's

So whats the best way to go from here, Try adjusting the track rods so that they are equal and the wheels are pointing straight on then straighten the steering wheel?

Then obviously take it for tracking adjustment to get it bang on?

[alicrozier]

I think that's what I'd do. I guess you don't fancy pulling the rack again...

Should be able to get the track rods equal and pretty straight just by counting threads and making the same adjustment each side - verify by eye.
Then pull the steering wheel and centre it.

Then final toe setting adjustment. I would diy but yeah just tracking check.

Unless there is a cunning other method Robin?

[robin]

No easier way I think - basically, a PITA

Cheers,
Robin

[robin]

Also beware that not all TREs are the same, so if they've been replaced at different times, they may have different number of threads on them!

[Scotsdave]

Well that makes it a bit easier then as the TRE's were done at the same time as the rack so that's one less thing to worry about.

Bugger

[Scotsdave]

Well I got it all sorted, Not to difficult as it happens.

If you turn the rack to one full lock in one direction and look at how the steering wheel is positioned the opposite lock should be a mirror image. This will then give you the true centre.

I took my car for tracking today and then could no longer get full lock to one side. After much head scratching I took the wheel off to discover the gaitor on the steering rack is twisted so hard it was stopping me from turning the steering wheel!

Anyway the gaiter has a nice big rip in it now.

I'm not sure if the garage will take responsibility for it yet as I haven't called them yet.

If it turns out I have to fix it can the gaiter be done in situ? It looks like a pita if it can. I really CBA to take the rack out.

Any tips would be grateful

Cheers Davie

[robin]

It is possible to do in situ - I seem to remember it helps if you fabricate a tool out of an old head long bolt (or similar bar stock) to manipulate the fastener - again not something I've ever had to do ...

Cheers,
Robin

[Shug]

(very) long nose pliers can also help - for pulling the tail of the gaiter cable-tie tight inside the chassis extrusion. The tool is easier though - cut a slot in a long bar, so you can locate it over the tail of the cable tie and twist the bar to tighten.

Also depends on the gaiters - the aftermarket ones are easy enough to get on in situ, but I found the OE titan ones so effing stiff it took washing up liquid and a good softening with a hairdryer, plus the rack in a vice, to get the fecking things on (obviously done when reconditioning the rack). Feel a lot more sturdy than the replacement one that was on one side of mine though...

[Scotsdave]

What about using a jubilee clip on the steering rack side of the gaitor and using a flexible hoseclip driver to tighten it up rather than trying to tighten a ratchet strap?

Would that be overkill?

[Shug]

Not sure you'd have clearance, and you'd not have access to the Jubilee the right way (no matter how flexible the driver is) when it's in situ. That, and it's overkill

[Scotsdave]

awe