Xantia - steering completely solid

[CitroJim]

Ha. Love you lot!

Rack is practically off. But won't fit through the gap (or past something gearbox related) . Have read here that i have to move the wishbone for better access, will do that tomorrow.

No, should be no need for new seals in yours Jaf, one's like a brake flare and the other is a metallic collar. Be sure to retrieve it...

Getting the rack out is a right 'mare... You'll both need to drop the subframe a few inches and need a second pair of able hands... Even then it's a bit like giving birth...

I know, it's a job I've been involved in fairly recently... A Xantia rack that is, not giving birth

[Jaf]

The rack is off. Don’t really understand how its so tricky! At one point i wondered if it would be best to shove the engine over.

Going to scrapyard tomorrow to see what they have. There's nothing madly obvious and rack turns with a pair of grips but I don't know.

With the UJ, this one is very floppy and I don't think that's right?

[CitroJim]

Well done on getting the rack out Jaf

With the UJ, this one is very floppy and I don't think that's right?

They are when unloaded and off the rack and steering column - however, there should be no lateral play or wear on the pivots. If there is, it's possible it could be jamming if very excessively worn.

[Jaf]

Went to scrapyard Monday, they didn't have a steering rack off the car ready so I asked for the rack and the steering column. Went back this morning and they'd forgotten the steering column, but had one... however the steering rack was revolting. They tried to convince me it'd be fine with new boots, but it looked awful and was floppier than mine. I'm not buying something in worse condition!! I did buy the steering column so I can compare.

Went to different scrapyard, just as bad. Its odd cos other parts have been fine. I think it's cos the spanish mot doesn't fail for steering boots or track rod ends.

Have ordered a new steering rack (and track rod ends as weirdly doesn't come with them!). Through autodoc so hope will be OK quality, usually takes blooming ages to arrive.

[CitroJim]

Here's hoping Autodoc don't take too long Jaf...

I think it's cos the spanish mot doesn't fail for steering boots or track rod ends.

Ours does... Every boot and gaiter is closely scrutinised here!

[Jaf]

Thanks Jim. Scrapyard wanted 100e for the ratty rack with new boots, 180e brand new, so figured it was worth it. Would have wanted new track rod ends either way.

Yeah I remember the whole test in UK is so much tougher. In UK I had cars fail for windscreen washer jets out of alignment! Don't even test the washer here. We dont jack the cars up for cv joints and bearing tests, just have a wobble plate wobble the car while the tester looks underneath from a pit! Also the inspection is every 2 years until a car is 10, not that I've ever had such a baby car.

[CitroJim]

Gosh! Your inspection sounds a lot less than ours Jaf... There was a time they were speaking of introducing two-year tests here but that all seems to have gone quiet..

'Baby car' - I like that My Picasso falls into that category!

[Jaf]

Aaargghh. New rack has arrived, quite quickly. Far too short though, several cms short of the track rod ends. And no way to tighten track rod ends up, originally rack has nut shaped end (new one is just round). Was I supposed to buy longer rods? Also there's an extra mounting point in the middle of the rack.

[CitroJim]

That's really bizarre Jaf Do Autodoc have suitable long Track Rod Ends to fit this style of rack?

[Jaf]

Don't know Jim. It's like pulling teeth with them. Was going to send it back (to Germany?? ) but the post office wouldn't take it this morning (box too big).

I had decided to get a recon rack from a company in the Netherlands but they've just emailed its out of stock! So maybe it's fate that I couldn't send the new autodoc rack. That's if I can find suitable long track rods. And it doesn't invalidate the warranty.

Emailed NTY, the rack manufacturer, but haven't heard back.

[xantia_v6]

It all seems rather odd. Does it look as if the rack will mount correctly?
It is also interesting that there was a RHD rack in stock in Germany.

If compatible, I would fit a pair of standard length rack ends.

[Jaf]

It's a lhd car. I guess autodoc have a big warehouse in Germany.

Good news... I took the easier side old track rod off and then carefully took off the new one. They exchange fine! So I could fit some nice, new track rods.

Bad news ... spotted a breather on the old rack that I'd forgotten about, on the ram. I'm thinking car needs that breather?

Arrrggghh!

[CitroJim]

Don't worry about the 'Breather' Jaf, it's the leakage return for the original style of ram and is not needed on the different design of the new ram. Just block off the pipe else LHM will drip from it...

Good to see the track rods will swap over and will allow you to go ahead with the new rack

[Jaf]

Brilliant Jim! Thanks. Wheeee.

I'll go into town tomorrow to see if they can get the track rods, as they would be much quicker than autodoc. (I would leave a review saying the rack is too short but I'm worried about the warranty!)

[Stickyfinger]

Take note....IF (?) the boots fit into a grove (as per OEM) on the rack then a cable tie is unlikely to hold the boot in-place unless the boot has an "inner ridge" (as OEM) to engage the grove and a metal strap type tie is used....

As I know only to well (as does Jim) it is very very hard to reattach the inner boot ends with the rack in the car.....please check this before fitting the rack.