Steering Rack Issue?

[danscort]

Hi, My mk1 Escort is having problems with the front end, I got told about a year ago by Bridgestone that I needed to replace the steering rack when I got a wheel alignment. Now the car shudders when I brake. It got worse over time. Question is - Is the steering rack the reason? I would like to know before I replace it.

[svo supporter]

Originally Posted by danscort

Hi, My mk1 Escort is having problems with the front end, I got told about a year ago by Bridgestone that I needed to replace the steering rack when I got a wheel alignment. Now the car shudders when I brake. It got worse over time. Question is - Is the steering rack the reason? I would like to know before I replace it.

Nope. It'll be warped rotors. Get them machined or repalce them. That'll fix it

[danscort]

Originally Posted by svo supporter

Nope. It'll be warped rotors. Get them machined or repalce them. That'll fix it

So the steering rack can't be the problem? The reason I ask is I don't do hard braking with the little 1600 so I thought the rotors wouldn't have a problem with getting too hot and warp.

[caprispecial]

Any looseness anywhere in the front end will cause problems with wheel movement. SMCKA parts has a rack repair kit, if it hasnt been done for some time its probably needed.

[svo supporter]

Originally Posted by danscort

So the steering rack can't be the problem? The reason I ask is I don't do hard braking with the little 1600 so I thought the rotors wouldn't have a problem with getting too hot and warp.

Time also warps rotors, not just hard braking etc etc.

I surpose there's a few questions I forgot to ask, which would eliminate the rack being a problem.

Does it wobble when you don't brake at speeds round 70 KPH +?

Is the car a "pig" to drive above 40 KPH? ie, the steering wheel wobbles and you're constantly correcting the steering whilst driving in a straight line and the wobble gets worst as you increase speed?

Do you have a saw tooth effect on the tyre edges?

[danscort]

Originally Posted by caprispecial

Any looseness anywhere in the front end will cause problems with wheel movement. SMCKA parts has a rack repair kit, if it hasnt been done for some time its probably needed.

So it could be either disc rotors need machining or steering rack needing a rack rebuild kit. How do I check which it is?

[danscort]

Originally Posted by svo supporter

Time also warps rotors, not just hard braking etc etc.

I surpose there's a few questions I forgot to ask, which would eliminate the rack being a problem.

Does it wobble when you don't brake at speeds round 70 KPH +?

Is the car a "pig" to drive above 40 KPH? ie, the steering wheel wobbles and you're constantly correcting the steering whilst driving in a straight line and the wobble gets worst as you increase speed?

Do you have a saw tooth effect on the tyre edges?

Tyres are fine, It only shudders when I brake at any speed and the steering wheel goes left to right (should have said).

[danscort]

Shuddering threw the steering wheel*

[svo supporter]

Originally Posted by danscort

Tyres are fine, It only shudders when I brake at any speed and the steering wheel goes left to right (should have said).

Stuffed front end parts including rack = tyre wear problems.

Brake pads need an even surface to press against to prevent wobbles once pressure is applied.


Now I'll leave you guess what the problem would be from that.

[danscort]

Originally Posted by svo supporter

Stuffed front end parts including rack = tyre wear problems.

Brake pads need an even surface to press against to prevent wobbles once pressure is applied.


Now I'll leave you guess what the problem would be from that.

Thanks for the help svo supporter

[danscort]

Got a mobile guy that does my workmates cars, Ill ring him tomorrow.

[danscort]

Discs machined, problem solved.

[obsesscort]

Do you mind me asking how much machining the disks cost?

[danscort]

My mechanic near work (RAA approved) did it for $99.50. I work at Royal Park, SA. The mechanic my wife takes her car to said he would do it for $77 Salisbury South.

[svo supporter]

Originally Posted by danscort

My mechanic near work (RAA approved) did it for $99.50. I work at Royal Park, SA. The mechanic my wife takes her car to said he would do it for $77 Salisbury South.

****......Oops sory about the language. You got ripped severely. There's 2 places at Salsibury North, I am aware of, that do them for $35 ea.

[danscort]

Originally Posted by svo supporter

****......Oops sory about the language. You got ripped severely. There's 2 places at Salsibury North, I am aware of, that do them for $35 ea.

I took it to the place near work as it was easier (walking distance). What are the places in Salisbury North called?

[allanv6gt]

Sometimes it is worth paying a little bit more it it is walking distance, rather than have lost hours driving around town (for 99-(2*35) = $29)

[atec77]

Originally Posted by danscort

Hi, My mk1 Escort is having problems with the front end, I got told about a year ago by Bridgestone that I needed to replace the steering rack when I got a wheel alignment. Now the car shudders when I brake. It got worse over time. Question is - Is the steering rack the reason? I would like to know before I replace it.

It might be disks but usually it's the cup and post on the end points on the rack , there used to be a kit which replaced the swivel points and collars but now you might have to replace the rack

[svo supporter]

Originally Posted by danscort

I took it to the place near work as it was easier (walking distance). What are the places in Salisbury North called?

ABS and Torque Tyres. Both on Commercial Rd.

[danscort]

Originally Posted by atec77

It might be disks but usually it's the cup and post on the end points on the rack , there used to be a kit which replaced the swivel points and collars but now you might have to replace the rack

The mechanic said the steering rack needed replacing - next on list.

[Puzzlescort]

The caps on the end of the tie rod arms are the main points of wear, the steering rack kit replaced the plastic bush with a metal bush. I did this in my quick rack some years ago and havent had a problem since (plenty of events on dirt)

I would suggest that if you intend to keep the car for a while I would just look for a quick rack & replace it (approx $210). dont forget to replace the bushes that hold the rack to the cross member, then have a look at the flexible steering joint

[danscort]

Originally Posted by Puzzlescort

The caps on the end of the tie rod arms are the main points of wear, the steering rack kit replaced the plastic bush with a metal bush. I did this in my quick rack some years ago and havent had a problem since (plenty of events on dirt)

I would suggest that if you intend to keep the car for a while I would just look for a quick rack & replace it (approx $210). dont forget to replace the bushes that hold the rack to the cross member, then have a look at the flexible steering joint

Can I buy a quick rack here or do I have to get it from the UK?

[Grandmaspec]

I was hoping it would be the rack, quick racks are fun. I got a 1.2 (maybe1.4) from racetune in Perth. Can't remember how much it was but it's a bit cheaper if you trade in your old one, no matter the condition. Interesting at high speeds in the wet...

[Jimmyd]

Originally Posted by danscort

Can I buy a quick rack here or do I have to get it from the UK?

Try Smcka - top quality product and reasonable pricing - all my dealings with him to date have gone flawlessly.

[smh00n]

I've got rack rebuild kits and brand new 2.9 and 2.4 racks in stock now. New shipment just arrived so may not be on the site until Monday/Tuesday after I sort it all out.

[JG65TE]

I see machining discs as a useless exercise these days as its not too often they come up within spec, next roady dont be surprised if you are done for undersize discs. They are cheap as anythin brand new now

example : http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/FORD-ESCO...item415cb5846b