I have just put in a reco steering rack after my old one had too much play in it. Frustrating because it had no play on the bench before I put subframe back in. After motor was back in, I put the column in and notice a lot of free play in the wheel.

So I just say 'bugger it' and get a reco rack. PITA to have to then replace it. (OK rant over)

My question is:

How tight do I have to do the nuts on the steering rack U bolts? I don't want to ruin them or the rack, and it's hard to tell (Nyloc) as they require reasonable effort to move them, but they keep on moving!!

How much of the (mowog) u bolts should stick out above the tops of the nuts?

Anyone have a torque figure?

Oh, and a tip for anyone playing at home, if replacing the rack by lowering the rear of the front subframe, you don't have a lot of room to manouvre the drivers side u bolt in to position. Mine would only fit after i closed it up in the vise by about 3 mm. When i fit the old rack (no subframe in car) i simply squuzed it to go through the holes. Can't do that with subframe in situ!!!!


Cheers
Matt

The Torque needed to tighten bolts up to their correct point is determind by the size of the bolt,,,normally a 5/16th bolt is anywhere from 18-25lb (ish)

The body panel (rack mounting braket) spot welded to the underside of the floor area where the rack mounts to is simply a pressed thin sheet metal, very thin,,, & overtightening can squash/distort that panel, later minis had 2 re-enforcing plates under the rack against the body to help to stop not only the distortion of the panel but also to help stop the U-bolts crimping up & also to mount the rack slightly more forward

the things you learn hey?

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No offence intended here but--> anyone writing a book about minis 30 years ago may not have experienced such worn or stuffed-with components as we are finding these days.

You should put your heart & soul into everything you do.

Thanks Matt!

How do I tell if i have the reinforcing? Mine is a 68 deluxe.

I'm using a 1/4" drive socket to do up the nuts (1/2" AF Nyloc Nuts), and it has felt tight ever since the nyloc part started to engage the thread.

Should I be using a normal nut with a star washer?

Matt

They should feel tight...that means they are doing their job....if they are loose then replace em....just torque up to what Matt says then check the rack is still well located and look for any distortion of the floor.

If you have undone the nuts a few times then I would consider getting new ones....

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"Show me the Mini!"