Play in steering - how much is acceptable, if any?

[fcassidy]

Hi,

I have just bought an older Legend and the first thing I need to do is take some play out of the steering.  Never having had one of these cars before, is there generally some 'play' from the steering wheel down as far as the steering rack? 

I'm finding it is loose where the steering wheel attaches to the shaft, then there is movement in the universal joints and finally there appears to be unwanted left/right movement in the rack itself.

Any other race car I've owned/driven never had any unwanted movement - I consider it a little dangerous.  Just want to find out if you guys tolerate a certain amount of play or unwanted movement between the steering wheel and the front wheels - is it just part of what comes with these cars?

A ny info would be great.

Thanks

[justfreaky]

Frank,
 Sounds like a new steering wheel disconnect is in order.
Possible steering rack rebuild also.
Check the steering joints first, and replace a necessary.
 As I have not yet got my steering system completed, I can't say what is "normal".
I agree with you on unwanted movement. Tighten it up as best you can,

Steve

[fastmantom]

If I remember right, I think INEX sells a rebuild kit for the rack. 

I would go ahead and replace the steering shaft.  This will also present an opportunity to put your steering wheel in the perfect position. 

Is the seat comfortable when you sit in it?  It should be comfortable enough to where you nearly fall asleep sitting there.  You're entire upper leg, down to your knee should be supported in some way by the seat. 

[JGRacing]

If you have the hex type steering release, going to a splined release will take out some of the play in that part of the system.   

[fcassidy]

This is all good info - especially if there is a rebuild kit available for the rack.   I think I'll simply replace anything which looks or feels suspect, I absolutely hate having anything on a car which feels loose.

Thanks guys - the help is much appreciated.

[Tom Cole]

You want to get rid of as much play as possible.
The rack body has a bronze sleeve in it that can be easily replaced and you can buy just the sleeve.  I got mine from Mike Patrick at Little Race Cars in Virginia.
Be sure to replace any heim joints and ball joints that have any play in them too.  Every little bit of slop can add up to slower lap times.

[6th Geer]

as this will be my 4th season in  legend car. there will always be a little play in your legend steering.
I have not drove one yet without a little play. some more then others.

The old upper 1/3 steering  used a bolt in area that is now welded. I noticed a huge difference in these.

[qweedqwag]

I agree I have not driven a Legends that did not have a little play, the splined steering head helps a ton and adding grease to the rack also helps, the new rack has an adjuster on top the helps tighten up the steering, the older on need the bushing replced if it had to much slop, keep them lubed up and this will not happen so fast.

Mike.

[JGRacing]

How do I grease the stearing rack?  Do I need to open it up, or is there a fitting somewhere?

[qweedqwag]

JG,

On the older rack the the grease nipple is on the top of the rack, on the newer one it's on the lower front 4-5 good pumps will help out a little, it will also help it move more freely.

Mike.

[JGRacing]

Thanks.  I'll take a look tonight.

[blueskythinking]

going slightly off subject, i have recently renewed the standard bush on my steering rack and had one put in the larger daimeter end of the rack next to the pinion. Problem is now when i tighten up the plate with the grease nipple on the whole thing locks up. Is there a reason why there is not a bush fitted as standard to the pinion end of the rack? any help would be appreciated!!

[racerrad8]

You cannot use a bushing in the pinion side of the rack body. That end must "float" thus the reason for the adjustable shims to control the tooth contact between the rack and pinion. You need to remove that bushing.

Randy - RPM

[tch38]

Based on the posts I think my rack is in good shape. Thanks all

[blueskythinking]

thanks for clearing that up racerrad!!