Steering Racks

[Rippthrough 98]

I've had two xsara racks now and they've both actually worked out at just under 2.6 turns lock-to-lock.

They are heavy without PAS though.

 

 

But not as heavy as a 306 with a 2.2 turn rack and no PAS

[jackherer 543]

Well done. It is good that somebody actually made it work!

 

Thanks but I don't think I was the first, people just seem to be keeping this one quiet for some reason...

 

Are you willing to disclose what was involved in fitting the rack...?

 

Of course, I used the xsara rack and lower column with 205 track rods and a 205 upper column.

 

It nearly all just bolts in, the only issue is the length of the xsara lower column, its a few cm longer. As I was fitting it to a stripped out track car I used this to my advantage, I made up two steel plates and bolted these to the bodyshell where the upper column normally attaches then bolted the upper column to the plates a few cm further towards the driver. I also used some spacers to move the wheel down a bit as it ends up higher. If you wanted the wheel and stalks etc in the normal position you would need to modify the xsara lower column which shouldn't be too hard, just cutting a few cm off and extending the flat area with a grinder would be fine.

 

I also had to trim a little bit off the bulkhead rubber seal as the xsara column is a slightly bigger diameter and wasn't turning smoothly in it.

 

The drive on the xsara rack is square with an offset bolt to tighten it (like a mk1 golf camber bolt) I have no idea what a 205 square drive column is like, I've only seen spline ones, but if they are the same then a xsara rack might fit with a 205 column which would be neat.

[Capn. Pugwash 0]

Do you have any photos of your plates Jackherer?

[jackherer 543]

Do you have any photos of your plates Jackherer?

 

Sorry, I haven't and that car isn't here either so I can't take any. They are very simple though, just two flat strips with four holes drilled in each.

[Capn. Pugwash 0]

I should be able to figure it out then!

[Batfink 201]

I've had two xsara racks now and they've both actually worked out at just under 2.6 turns lock-to-lock.

They are heavy without PAS though.

 

 

But not as heavy as a 306 with a 2.2 turn rack and no PAS

 

where do you get a 2.2 turn rack???

[brumster 135 1 Cars]

For the record, I have a PTS quick rack (ie. WITH the power steering) which by my measurements looks to be around 2.5-2.6 turns lock to lock. Bit like hens teeth now though. I know Andy @ AB Motorsport can get custom p/s racks made that are circa 2.1 turns but you're talking mega-bucks (£800+ from memory, but don't hold me to it) as they're sent off and machined in Sweden.

 

So this Xsara option sounds by far the best bet...

Edited May 21, 2009 by brumster