sloppy steering .........

[heliguy]

I can push and pull on the steering wheel causing the shaft to move in and out of the rack about .250 of an inch, maybe a touch more. Can i reduce this "play" just by adjusting the shims on the cap that covers the pinion gear?
Oh, its a 59 twin cam but the procedure should be the same for any mga......

thanks in advance,

Mitch

 

[tony barnhill]

Contact Gerry Masterman (GEM Enterprises)...think he has a bush kit for it.

 

[ccougill]

and if he doesn't have a kit send him the steering column and he'll make one

 

[Billm]

I have a spare MGA rack that I'll sell you for $30.00,. It should be rebuilt but it sounds a lot better than the one you have.
I'm in the Seattle area.
Bill

 

[David_DuBois]

if you can move the whole steering shaft in and out of the rack, your problem is not bushings in the shaft housing. It sounds like you are missing the thrust washers on either side of the pinion gear in the steering rack. That spare rack that Bill has offered may be the only place to get those washers, they are special, hardened washers, one on either side of the actual gear. You might try Moss and Victoria British to see if they carry them.
Cheers,

 

[Steve_S]

Indeed. Bushings reduce side play in the column. While you have the rack out, you may as well replace the upper bushing. It's simply a piece of felt soaked in graphite oil. The proper felt well soaked in the right oil will last 100-200,000 miles and costs pennies.

 

[heliguy]

OK, thanks guys. Yes, it does sound like a thrust washer problem. There is no play between the inner and outer parts, just the vertical play. I dont remember it having that much before.
Bill thanks for your offer. Im not sure if the rack will fit or not, I know the "lower" shaft is a bit longer to make up for the TC rack being mounted farther forward, and i thought the mounting part was just a bit different also. I will try to get it apart this weekend and see whats what!

cheers,

Mitch

 

[heliguy]

WoooHooo, Problem solved! I was pushing the steering wheel in and out myself, and i could only see the first section of steering shaft and the "U" joint, and they were both moving. I got my helper to do this, and saw the my problem was the pinch bolt was not tight enough on the U joint, so thats where my Play was............I thought it strange to be thrust washers, as i was sure i put the thing back together the right way, but that was 4 years ago. Anyways, thanks for the hints, tips and offers..........they all got me thinking and now its sorted out!

cheers,

Mitch

 

[jlaird]

It's all so simple when you have the answer.

 

[David_DuBois]

Another bullet dodged
Cheers,