steering rack

[Huw Powell]

>  Since my accident last week when a 19yo drove into the side of my '90 V8q
> rendering it useless till the ins co settles, I've brought the reliable '86
> 4kcsq back to life. Till I went to have it alligned. I noticed a small pull
> to the right on the way over to the alignment shop but thought it was low
> tire pressure. Iget a call from the shop. Bad news steering rack.

I would recommend a second opinion.  Apart from the fact that I have
never seen a 4000/coupe rack go bad (though I suppose they can and do),
it is hard to imagine how the rack could prevent aligning the car.  Did
they explain to you what was actually *wrong* with the rack?

Usually components that prevent alignment are either totally
rusted/frozen in place or busted in such a way that there is play where
they attach to other suspension/steering components.  The rack and its
connections to the tie rods and body are pretty beefy.

If there is too much lash in it, there is a little cover that can be
removed and shims are used to adjust this.  Some cars actually have a
bolt  there that is tightened (or loosened) for this purpose.

--
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/

http://www.humanthoughts.org/