I believe the Mini rack is identical to what is used on a Ferrari 308 and those guys have the exact same issue. Apparently those owners have a proper metal bush you can buy. However I've yet to find a source. I really should consider buying a lathe at some point so I can make this stuff up at home.
Nylon bush was fitted at the factory by Cam Gears Ltd who made many of the steering racks. When they go all they do is rattle, at least on Allegros. Shock seems to be what breaks them up and allowing the rack to run dry.
fried onions wrote: ↑Thu Oct 29, 2020 6:23 pm
Nylon bush was fitted at the factory by Cam Gears Ltd who made many of the steering racks. When they go all they do is rattle, at least on Allegros. Shock seems to be what breaks them up and allowing the rack to run dry.
Probably the same bush. Usual modern repo stuff bollocks where they're not made to the same spec as originals.
Rack on the 1100 is about a year old refurb unit and I think a thousand or so miles. I could change the bush again but a good chance it'll fail again pretty quickly. I'd prefer if I could swap in a brass type replacement.
While I type this, I also need to check the column bushes too. They're probably knackered no doubt.
All easy stuff to do, compared to the Dolomites bodywork.
Unfortantly they're repair panels welded directly on top of old metal. Thankfully they didn't weld a bead all the way along, making it much easier to get this top panel off.
I suppose at least mine was welded on, rather than Captain70s pop rivetted one!
Not sure which is best, both are bodge of the highest order but pot rivets don't cause heat distortion...
That A/B pillar rot gives me the fear. Mine is fine in those areas but it looks like a nightmare to get in at, you're going to have to brace the shell if you're cutting that out...
1976 Triumph Dolomite 1850HL - Field based greenhouse. 1977 Triumph Dolomite 1300 - Lean green oil dripping machine. 1983 Triumph Acclaim L - Japanglish daily runner. 1989 Volvo 740GLE Estate - Mobile storage unit.
captain_70s wrote: ↑Sun Nov 08, 2020 7:05 pm
That A/B pillar rot gives me the fear. Mine is fine in those areas but it looks like a nightmare to get in at, you're going to have to brace the shell if you're cutting that out...
The plan is to cut out minimal as possible and just the tatty bits enough to weld new metal to. Idea being that if I don't cut anything already attached then I can't weaken it anymore.
The metal underneath looks nasty but actually is pretty strong - it passes the stabbing with a flat headed screwdriver test.
It reminds me how old this car is.