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Stag Stag Steering...

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J

jjw

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Well I introduced myself and my latest LBC last week https://www.britishcarforum.com/bcforum/ubbthreads.php/posts/549156/Deer_hunting_in_Maine#Post549156
And now its time for my first question...

When I went to look at the Stag for the first time, the then owner did mention the steering rack leaked "a bit"... well, I guess "a bit" and "a torrent" must mean the same thing... The entire content of the power steering reservoir is now on my driveway...

So I'm wondering what the best course of action is. Should I go find a re-built rack at one of the parts suppliers, or should I rebuild mine... or have it professionally rebuilt. I read a comment on line where someone recommended an outfit called "Atlantic Enterprises" in SC as a place to get it rebuilt. I went to their web site, and they actually list the Stag (!). Does anyone here know anything about them?... Any input will be appreciated...
 
Hi Jim - I don't have an answer specific to a Stag but the racks on the TR8 are known for leaking as well and most folks seem to opt for buying a rebuild unit rather than trying to rebuild them themselves. (Mickey and others will smack me if soon if that is bad guidance....)
 
I wound up not going through it, as a friend had a rebuilt rack for sale cheap. But the rebuild doesn't look all that hard to me. Of course that assumes it is rebuildable; if there is a dent in the rack body or something, it may be ruined.

First step might be to be sure it's the rack leaking, and not the nearby hoses. Both of my Stags had significant leaks in the high side hose.
 
PS, I wound up going through the control valve anyway, as the 'rebuilt' rack did not work! Was a simple assembly error, but I learned a lot about the valve in the process. Clever little thing!

One thing to watch for, it turns out that the torque rod through the center has different size holes at each end. The difference isn't much, and it's easy to overlook; but if you install it upside down the steering will be over boosted and unpleasant.
 
I know this sounds very wrong, but it worked for me. I put about an Oz. of brake fluid in the PS reservoir and just ran it. The BF causes the seals to swell and become supple again. I did this to mine over 2 years ago and has been fine ever since. It's not the end all beat all nor is it a substitute for a rebuild, but it'll get you up and running! Now if I could just figure out a way to rejuvenate my seat foams and sun visors...
 
frankenstang57 said:
I know this sounds very wrong, but it worked for me. I put about an Oz. of brake fluid in the PS reservoir and just ran it.
Click to expand...
Just curious, had you tried any of the commercial "stop leak" additives before that? Seems like the theory is the same ...
 
A lot of people with TR8's have had success with the Lucas products for power steering leaks. Same sort of thing with swelling the seals and making them more supple. My P/S doesn't leak though so I have not tried any myself.
 
Jim,

I just rebuilt my steering rack about a month ago. Mine started leaking a little around the gaitors and I added the Lucas P/S product. It slowed the leaking down a bit until one day I went out to the garage and the seals just finally gave way. What a mess.

I rebuilt mine myself. I just ordered a seal kit for about $25 (i think). The toughest job was pulling it out and putting it back in. Also check the low pressure return hose. It has a tendency to rub against the high pressure hose where they connect to the rack and bubble up. I would go ahead and replace this hose while you are at it.

I have heard that Atlantic Enterprises does a good job for around $180. I think they rebuild your old rack. But keep in mind that the shipping to and from will be at least half that much as well.

I don't know if this is a project you want to take on yourself but I do know of a nice link: https://www.triumphowners.com/registry.cgi?sectionID=111014&vehicleID=1216. If you scroll down you will find a bunch of Stag projects one of which is the steering rack. It has a nice step-by-step process w/pictures of how he rebuilt his steering rack.

Hope this helps,
Shane R.
 
ShaneR said:
I don't know if this is a project you want to take on yourself but I do know of a nice link: https://www.triumphowners.com/registry.cgi?sectionID=111014&vehicleID=1216. If you scroll down you will find a bunch of Stag projects one of which is the steering rack.
Click to expand...
Kind of a gruesome article on Stag head studs, too! That tears it; I'm gonna build that EDM machine before I tackle the Stag engine!

But first gotta get this TR3 out; then the other Stag ...
 
Shane... and All. thanks for the comments.

I especially liked the link. Now I know what I'm in for if I decide to do it myself. I do however like the lifetime warranty that Atlantic Enterprises gives...

...but man, after looking at those pics of the engine rebuild, I hope I never have to pull the heads...
 
I rebuilt my rack recently. If you have the Stag maintenance manual there is a step by step sequence. Not difficult at all, depending on the abilities you bring to the project.
Do the whole system. Overhaul the pump, and replace hoses. If you are not overly concerned with originality, a local hose shop can make up hoses.
Dave
 
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