Steering rack ball joint

[Peter Cliffe]

I have play in my nearside steering rack ball joint. Rest looks OK and looks as if I could replace without removing rack. I assume it just screws in end of main rack section and only problem is not loading pinion gear to free it.
Does anyone know if you can get them?
Is this common? I have removed gaitor and looks lubricated and clean.
Thanks for any help given.
Peter.

[muley]

Peter,

I've not heard of anyone repairing a rack in situ.

I do know they are a pig to get out - even the hardest Elaners reckon it's a job for the professionals.

Last year they were available in the Lotus parts clearance - down from around a grand to gbp300 or so.

I have had a rack restored in the past - rack restorers are out there - I feel it is a job for the experts because they will case harden the ball ends and set up the correct preloads etc etc

Good luck


Jim