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MG MGB Technical - Steering Rack adjustment

Can anyone tell me if there is any adjustment on the steering rack on a B. I seem to have some play at the ends of the rack where the track rod arm goes into the rack and am concerned that it will not pass the MOT.
Graham
Graham Cherry

Lateral play or steering wheel play can be adjusted by removing/adjusting shims under the steering rack damper cover. This provides limited adjustment and may mot be enough to eliminate play in a worn out rack. If you have vertical play the damper adjustment may help the driver side but it will not help the passenger side.

Clifton
Clifton Gordon

Clifton,
I tried removing one shim, (there are three, all identical) but the steering was far to tight afterwards, so I guess this is not the problem. I am about to replace the UJ to see if that helps.
Cheers
Graham
Graham Cherry

Graham,
there are joints at the end of the rack where the steering arms connect. If you have play here, it can be adjusted, but you'll have to take the rack out as it involves holding the rack in a vice.
If you remove the gaiter (beware, possible oil spill)and get someone to move the steering wheel you'll see where your problems are.
HTH,
Rufus
Rufus Pool

Graham, you can purchase different thickness shims, so maybe you need to take a thick one out and install a thin one or two? You could also replace the brass damper that's installed under the steel cup that fits up through the shims. Remove that damper and check for wear. A cylindrical wear pattern in it from contact with the rack should be present. If its more than about .010"s deep, you should replace it.
Jeff Schlemmer

Thanks guys,

Can't find any play in the tie rod ball joints, but there is a groove in the copper damper which runs on the top of the rack, will replace that asap.
MOT Saturday, fingers crossed.

Thanks again
Graham
G Cherry

The damper will only affect play one side - the drivers. On the passenger side there is a bush, and I've had to replace that on a Mini (same system) many years ago. That is a pain. If it is the *rack* that is worn changing the damper shims may well remove the play in the straight-ahead position but cause it to be too tight on lock. Another possibility is the ball-joints between the rack and the track rods, these should be tight enough to resist 32 to 52 lb *inches* or force before articulation of the joint occurs.
Paul Hunt 2

This thread was discussed between 30/04/2006 and 05/05/2006

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