Ted_7 Posted July 29, 2002 Share Posted July 29, 2002 Hello everybody Since a month or two I have a weird "clong" noise when I turn the wheels ! You can feel it most when the car is stopped (there are more resistance then) and it's slightly perceptible when I drive on small road. Seems to come from that blue bar (it's a LHD)... Question is : can I keep on going like that for a while or is it very dangerous and then I have to change asap the blue bar ? Problem is : I'm going on holiday next Saturday Thanks in advance for your answers Se7enly, Ted_7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted_7 Posted July 29, 2002 Author Share Posted July 29, 2002 In addition to my previous post : - The "clong" appears when the wheel is at 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock - There have to be some resistance, if you lift up the car you can't feel or hear anything - It's about 2000 miles I have that problem, no change in the handling of the car - It's coming for sure from the blue rack bar - It's a 8% track, not the wide one Please help ☹️ Se7enly, Ted_7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted_7 Posted July 29, 2002 Author Share Posted July 29, 2002 Last thing : If this thing (the blue rack) needs to be changed : how long does it takes to do it ???? Se7enly, Ted_7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen Payne Posted July 29, 2002 Share Posted July 29, 2002 Make sure that the rack is securely bolted down to the cross member. Regards Allen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Woods Posted July 29, 2002 Share Posted July 29, 2002 Have a look through this thread here as well - although its about sticky steering it might help as Raphael had a problem with his steering clamp. My steering was a bit sticky but after I oiled everything it loosened up. If the rack is fixed tightly then it may be the U/J has got a bit dry and clonks as it rotates. Nick P8MRA - The green one with red wings Edited by - Nick Woods on 29 Jul 2002 09:47:58 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted_7 Posted July 29, 2002 Author Share Posted July 29, 2002 Ok, thank you very much ! I just had a look at the topic and we'll see that this afternoon ! I just hope it's not the rack ! Not so close from my holiday trip ! I keep you posted ! Se7enly, Ted_7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted_7 Posted July 31, 2002 Author Share Posted July 31, 2002 Looks like finally it's the rack that's getting old ☹️ Not broken or else, but needs to be changed in a not too far future, I'll do it probably this winter. It's funny because the feeling was more intense when the weather was very hot (like those days here), yesterday it rained and the weather was cooler, the noise almost disapeared... I'll change for a 22% then, and later on I'll pass on wide tracks. Thanks to all of you for the help. Se7enly, Ted_7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elie boone Posted July 31, 2002 Share Posted July 31, 2002 Ted, Can i come over and see how you change the rack ? maybe i can learn something Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted_7 Posted July 31, 2002 Author Share Posted July 31, 2002 I'll make YOU do the change ! Better so ? Se7enly, Ted_7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevefoster Posted August 1, 2002 Share Posted August 1, 2002 Ditto work some grease into it via the big plug hole to the left of the rack. 36mm spanner to get the ring nut off, 7/32" hex to remove the plug. Once greased adjust the plug (the back of it has a bearing surfaced cupped rubbing plate that holds the rack down) with the hex key so that you have no slop but still have free steering. Check it with the wheels on the ground to ensure it is tight enough not to clonk. Replace and tighten locking ring. Just done mine hence I remember all the sizes. If you cannot adjust out the clonk then check the track rod ends for play. These can be found behind the gaitors and can be adjusted/tightened if you drill out the securing pin and then drill a new hole and put a new one in. The rods should be tight enough to just droop under their own weight without the big ball joint end on. *****See Phil's correction below***** I know this because Phil converted a 2nd hand wide track 8% rack to narrow track be replacing the rods at my place. Other than that it could be the ball joints but these you can see moving / feel if you grab the wheel (when jacked up) and rock left / right. Steve My racing pics here Hants (North) and Berkshire area club site here Edited by - stevefoster on 1 Aug 2002 09:12:50 Edited by - stevefoster on 1 Aug 2002 16:45:44 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philwaters Posted August 1, 2002 Share Posted August 1, 2002 Sorry Steve, slightly wrong, The track rods should be tight enough so that they don't quite droop under the weight of the track rod end (i.e break the track rod end from the hub's steering arm). It is quick tricky to set this as when you do the locknut you tend to loosen it, so go slightly beyond. Agree with the grease though Edited by - philwaters on 1 Aug 2002 10:49:36 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted_7 Posted August 1, 2002 Author Share Posted August 1, 2002 So trying to grease into the big plug hole to the left of the rack might help ? This plastic thing inside seems so difficult to pull off ! No risk to brake this plug ? Thx Se7enly, Ted_7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham Perry Posted August 1, 2002 Share Posted August 1, 2002 The plastic 'slipper' should pull straight out without any problems once you have taken the large nut off. There should be a bent spring washer underneath the nut that takes up any slack in the slipper. Greasing it should do it good. When re adjusting test the rack over its full travel and adjust out any tight spots Edited by - Graham Perry on 1 Aug 2002 12:33:12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevefoster Posted August 1, 2002 Share Posted August 1, 2002 My rack is from 97 and the rack curved plug and threaded bit are all one and come out as one. Steve My racing pics here Hants (North) and Berkshire area club site here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buroz Posted August 1, 2002 Share Posted August 1, 2002 You have checked the clamp on the steering colum, haven't you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elie boone Posted August 1, 2002 Share Posted August 1, 2002 All nuts and bolts have been checked Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elie boone Posted August 1, 2002 Share Posted August 1, 2002 BTW Happy holidays Ted_7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ted_7 Posted August 1, 2002 Author Share Posted August 1, 2002 Thanks Elie ! And thank you for all the work u did on my car See you in 5000 kms, or in 2 weeks if you prefer Se7enly, Ted_7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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