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MG MGA - Steering Play

Just had my car pass its annual road test today (no back handers involved). However, there were a couple of notes attached, one of which said very slight play in the steering to monitor.

I know that the UV and ball joints are fine, so that just leaves the rack, about which I know absolutely nothing. Anything for me to adjust?

Steve
Steve Gyles

If you steering column itself has no play then maybe the gap between the gear teeth and the rack has increased?

I would check if removing one shim or two from the steering rack 'main damper nut'. This is directly above where the steering column goes into.
Then tighten again to see if it improves. Its is fast and cheap to try as a first shot.

Check Barney'site for info.
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/steering/sr103.htm
Gonzalo Ramos

Steve, Barney has a very good section on his web site that deals with the rack, vin
Vin Rafter

Hey Gonzalo, you are getting up to speed fast with the car. If you are not fixing it, you are reading about it! Any time for the wife?!!

Cheers

Steve
Steve Gyles

Steve

The play is often on the inner ball joints that hide under the gaiters. These are a devil to get apart, but once apart, there are shims that can be removed to tighten everything back up again.

If there's no play at the track rod ends, and the dampers under the caps have been checked, that's all that's left as a possibility.

Dominic
dominic clancy

Dominic

Thanks. Looks like a job once I have time in my new abode. I presume I can access the ball joints without too much hassle? Will I need to remove the radiator to access the dampers?

Steve
Steve Gyles

No need to remove anything in to access the dampers (at least on a LHD).

This is a job I also did when I changed the ball joints in my car.
My wife is starting to get used to me working on the car now.. ; )
Gonzalo Ramos

This thread was discussed on 04/05/2010

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