Steering rack tightness

[johnboy]

I was getting a shudder/ vibration from my steering on my mk11 2000 ( non P A S ). I noticed the steering rack nuts were not up tight so I nipped them up. Vibration disappeared but after reading the manual it said nuts should only be nipped up to 11-14 lb- ft. Should I loosen them off a bit??? Cheers.

[johnnydog]

What is the condition of the bushes in the steering rack clamps? They are relatively inexpensive and easy to replace, and may be partly the cause of your issues.

[johnboy]

Hi Johnny, There was new poly bush kit fitted a couple of years ago less than 2500 miles. I don't suppose it can do any damage?
Cheers.

[johnnydog]

I guess the torque figures given were for rubber bushes, so I don't think I would go off the 'book' figures. What colour are the polybushes? Different colours have varying levels of 'nvh' (noise, vibration and harshness), so I would try tightening by 'feel' rather than the actual tightening torque figures.

[johnboy]

Hi Johnny, just checked the bushes again today they are black but definitely poly. The
steering vibration starts about 40 mph and then goes after 60 mph ,then more car vibration but not so severe. I don't know if its my imagination but steering wheel appears centred going down the road then at other times seems off centre!!! Could it be the rack?? Cheers.

[johnnydog]

I don't know what make your bushes are, but here is a list of the differences between the colours of Powerflex bushes - black are the hardest and I wouldn't think they are suitable for a daily use vehicle? They may be a different make however....

Variations in the road camber and different makes of tyres (usually more budget tyres) react differently to varying road surfaces. I have the same steering symptoms on a Honda CRV on Uniroyals on different road surfaces, although it's only minor. The steering can be dead straight on some roads, but on others, the spokes are slightly at 10 - 4, for some strange reason. I just put it down to the road surface / camber.
I would also be checking the rack for play in both track rods.

[johnboy]

So reading that article- Heritage bushes (grey ) would be the more natural to have. Where could i get them?

[johnnydog]

Having checked CW's site, it appears he only now sells black PU steering rack clamp bushes, whereas years ago, he sold yellow ones (if my memory serves me right?). I think I have a pair of yellow ones somewhere in the depths of my garage.....
Maybe worth a call to get his opinion on them - I can only presume the black ones he now sells he has / are tried and tested and are suitable for the use most owners on here make of their Triumph?

[johnfrancis898]

Hi Johnboy
I have recently completed a full front suspension rebuild on my 2500TC. I got a new/exchange PAS rack and struts from CW and also renewed all ball joints and rubbers. Also renewed wheel bearings and discs & pads. When I got it all back together it was fine and then after a few miles a vibration was evident when turning. Investigation revealed that the PAS pump was loose so a tighten up and adjustment of the belt solved the problem.
Good Luck!

[Clifford Pope]

Years ago I was fed up with soggy rack bushes and the difficulty of applying the necessary sideways pressure while tightening the nuts in order to stop the rack sliding.
There were frequently advertised replacement solid alloy bushes, which I tried. Chris Witor I think. They were dead easy to fit and entirely free of play. I noticed no adverse effects on the steering - it seemed like a good idea that should have been fitted right from the start.
Other cars, such as my Volvo 240, have solidly mounted steering racks, so why this fussiness on the Triumph for different coloured bushes with different squishyness?