C5 Steering rack play. Change bushing or adjust?

[Axa]

I found out the play i thought was a worn inner tie -rod was infact play in the steering rack.

On the rear of the rack there is a black plastic lid / plug 18mm Allen key, right side picture below. w

I guess there is some kind of bushing inside. Is it possible to adjust the play by screwing this lid further in. Or remove ant change whats worn out?

There are no leaks, and the steering works fine except bad vibrations when driving on rough roads and over sharp edges. So I hope this can be repaired without taking the rack out.

Just finished swapping flywheel, clutch, ball-joints and a few other parts. So not much fundings left to spend..

[Peter.N.]

Is the play definitely in the rack only the bottom universal joint on the column can wear.

Peter

[Axa]

Is the play definitely in the rack only the bottom universal joint on the column can wear.

Peter

Yup. Zero play left-right. Have not measured, but guess 3-4mm in the end of the rack. Maybe a bit more up-down or a bit less sideways / fore-aft.
And only on the left hand side. So impossible it could have been the U-joint?

Can you tell me whats hidden behind the 18mm Allen key hole and the rack?

[Peter.N.]

Fair enough. Never had trouble with the rack so can't help I', afraid.

Peter

[aspire_helen]

The Allen key hole is a spring-loaded friction adjuster. It pushes against the rack to adjust the force needed to move the rack/steering wheel. Screwing it in increases the force necessary to move the steering wheel.