rack and pinion adjustment

[saltshaker]

How do you adjust the slack in the rack and pinion?
jon

[kitcarbp]

Hmmm to help we will need more info. Can you tell us the type, brand of the rack and pinion? There are so many OEM and aftermarket racks used in these cars need to start with the exact type you have. Some racks have a pinion preload that can be adjusted. Here is a typical Ford SN95 rack preload adjustment EXAMPLE. Assuming all other components are not worn out like rack mount bushings, steering shaft ujoints, rag joints , steering column etc etc. if you can see the steering shaft turning the pinion shaft yet there is no rack movement, an adjustment may help.

[saltshaker]

it’s a Jag rack and pinion
Jon

[kitcarbp]

Ok. So if your contemporary cobra is still using the manual Jag rack, it appears you set the preload using shims on pinion. Other threads here on Club Cobra discuss it. Here is a link to the rebuild process where the shims are used to set the preload.

Manual Rack Rebuild

[saltshaker]

Thank You!
Jon

[Gaz64]

Originally Posted by kitcarbp

Hmmm to help we will need more info. Can you tell us the type, brand of the rack and pinion? There are so many OEM and aftermarket racks used in these cars need to start with the exact type you have. Some racks have a pinion preload that can be adjusted. Here is a typical Ford SN95 rack preload adjustment EXAMPLE. Assuming all other components are not worn out like rack mount bushings, steering shaft ujoints, rag joints , steering column etc etc. if you can see the steering shaft turning the pinion shaft yet there is no rack movement, an adjustment may help.

This is completely wrong.

That adjustment is the rack pad adjustment, which adjusts the mesh/backlash of the rack with the pinion. That is NOT the pinion preload.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Gaz64

This is completely wrong.

That adjustment is the rack pad adjustment, which adjusts the mesh/backlash of the rack with the pinion. That is NOT the pinion preload.

How 'bout just springing for a new Flaming River rack for about $300? Might as well go for new tie rod ends too.