Play in steering

[Benmac]

Had a quick look but couldn't find anything. Took the Elan out today and when I got back and put the car on the drive I noticed a bit of play in the steering around the straight ahead. Not noticeable when you're moving but definitely there when static and I'm sure I haven't felt it or noticed it before.

I had a look at the steering column right down to the bulkhead and the UJ just before it disappears seems to be fine and the rack is moving there so it must be further down. The rack maybe? I see that they're bonkers money to buy, can they be refurbed? Is it likely to be that? Is there anything else I should have a look for that could be loose first. To drive it feels absolutely fine, no untoward knocks or bangs or weird sensations.

[Candles]

I have had some play in mine for a couple of years: Picked up by an MOT guy unfortunately but always noticeable with the car stopped and more so with the engine off. I get a slight clunk if I wiggle the edge of the steering wheel about an inch either way.

Seeing as MOTs have gone over to the computer record, I'm guessing it'll fail this year so I've bitten the bullet and bought a new rack. These are on sale with Lotus at the moment and it cost £276: Lotus Spares

My plan is to perform as painless a swap as possible and then get the old one reconned as a spare. I know this can be done as I've seen them for sale somewhere.

If either UJ is causing the problem, apparently these are from a Landrover (as are many of the steering bits!) and there is another thread on here somewhere about that.

Candles.

[Benmac]

Cool, ta. Its not as bad as an inch either way, maybe 3/4 in total. MOT is due tomorrow. Hmmm.

Thanks for the link about the rack price. Where I had looked they were over £1k! If needs be I'll do the same as you probably and get a new one as well as getting the old one refurbed.

[Candles]

No mine doesn't move an inch but wiggling it this much produces the knocking sound. If it was an inch I'd be all over the road.... Oh I am.......

I have in the past been led to believe there is an MOT tolerance for steering play. All I can find on the internet is:

Steering wheel and steering column:

* steering wheel is in acceptable condition
* steering wheel is securely attached to the steering shaft
* upper bearings of the steering column are inspected for wear
* Steering shaft is checked for excessive end float
* The clamping bolts are all checked for security
* split pins and locking nuts are also checked.
* 'free play' in the steering is checked
* All flexible couplings and universal joints are checked.

But also this from someone's unofficial site:

Steering And Suspension;

Steering must be precise and accurate with limited play between the steering wheel turning and the road wheels turning. Steering rack must be securely held in place and must be free from leaky gaitors. Power assisted racks must be free from oil leaks. The steering wheel itself must be securely fastened showing no signs of being loose. Signs of a cracked steering could be a fail. There should be no excessive play on the steering wheel if moved up and down and from side to side.

Good luck!

Candles.

[lotuska]

If all else fails and its not a uj or a track rod or ball joint you could try the adjuster.

Well and this is the odd thing, my car has an adjuster, its also a stock PAS rack, however the manual only lists the adjuster as being on the manual rack?

I know its there as I adjusted it when trying to sort out a notchy steering problem (which turned out to be the lower uj, that's when I worked out the uj was from a Land Rover). I had it a little too tight and the steering wheel wouldn't return to centre like normal.

Insert from manual

[Benmac]

Intersting again. Ta. I had another quick go of it last night after I had finished polishing the underside of the Elise (yes you did read that correctly, I am monumentally sad) and it didn't seem as bad as it had done on Sunday. Definitely no clunk or knock just a small amount of play around the straight ahead.

Once the car is up on my ramps I'll have a good look though. Are the lower UJ and rack itself (especially the adjuster) easy to get to (relatively speaking obviously but I'll have the car nicely up in the air)?