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MG MGB Technical - Engine mount & steering rack, 77 Rubber Bumper

I am going to replace the engine mounts in my 77 Rubber Bumper, LHD USA model.

I've read the posts describing slipping in a slim open-end wrench for bottom engine mount bolt on the steering side. But, when I look at and feel it, I'm inclined to just pull the steering rack out.

Can I pull the rack off of the car, separating it at the rack side of the U-joint, and NOT have to go through the alignment process with the pointed cones. To clarify, I have no intention of pulling the steering column from the cockpit of the car, nor do I intend to loosen the column bolts.

Thanks,
Charley
C R Huff

CR some may disaggree but I'ved pulled racks and reinstalled them without haveing to realign anything,and have not had any problems. RIC
RIC LLOYD

Thanks RIC,

We will see if anyone disagrees with you. I was under the impression that the issue was adjustment of the column rather than the rack. If no one disagrees, it's coming out pretty soon.

Charley
C R Huff

Nope - the adjustment is by shims under the rack mounts.

These should be trapped in place by a rivet so if you undo the four rack mounting bolts, the two track rod ends and the steering UJ you can just pull the rack out and the shim will stay on the crossmember.

Paint marks on the UJ before pulling, so you can realign.
Chris at Octarine Services

Thanks Chris. I'll keep an eye out for the shims in case the rivet lets loose.

Charley
C R Huff

Earlier UJ alignment was accomplished by adjusting rack and column, I think with the later collapsible columns bolted to the firewall it all has to be done on the rack. My shims have rusted off the rivets, so do check where you have shims before removing the bolts altogether. Other than that removing the rack is pretty easy - I should know I've had to do it several times to work on my V8 manifolds! You don't have to crack the tapers between the track-rod ends and steering arms if you don't have a scissors tool, just unbolt the steering arms from the swivels. Both my racks only have a notch in the end of the rack shaft that goes into the UJ, so it can only be reassembled to the UJ in one position to get the clamp bolt through, so these need no marks. It's the column shafts that have a groove all the way round and so these do need marking if parting that joint.
Paul Hunt

Thanks for that Paul. I hadn't thought of unbolting the steering arms. I had the tie rod ends cracked loose about a year ago, so they may pop easily since only the taper will be holding it and not rust. Good to know about the notch in the U-joint. I'll paint mark it anyway; better to have it and not need it than the other way around. Belt and suspenders, you know.

Charley
C R Huff

This thread was discussed on 08/11/2009

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