Rack & Pinion adjustment

[t walgamuth]

I tightened it until I felt bind then backed off a sixteenth of a turn or so. It works this way but there is still a slight bind and a free play on the steering wheel. I believe I'll have to buy a new rack to solve it. An inch of free play in a FF feels like half the distance to the barn.

I have a Tbird power rack which interchanges with the flaming river manual rack. With this setup the steering feel is equal to a good Miata which in my book is as good as it gets.

[SBSerpent]

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I tightened it until I felt bind then backed off a sixteenth of a turn or so. It works this way but there is still a slight bind and a free play on the steering wheel. I believe I'll have to buy a new rack to solve it. An inch of free play in a FF feels like half the distance to the barn.

I have a Tbird power rack which interchanges with the flaming river manual rack. With this setup the steering feel is equal to a good Miata which in my book is as good as it gets.

Is this adjustment made with the front wheels raised off the ground?

[SBSerpent]

After more sleuthing, I believe I have found the source of the problem. There is play in the universal joints in the steering arm, Not sure if this is normal but it is allowing for about a 1/4" play back at the steering wheel. The rack, tie rod ends, mounting hardware are all solid.

How much play, if any, should there be in the universal joints?

[spdbrake]

No play actually.

On the rack free play I had tried that route 1st with no help. The adjuster is simply pushes the back side of the rack into the steering pinion gear. The Spring under the cap does the work and getting it too tight can cause a bind. Also that bind really can't be felt with the wheels installed as the caster pulls the wheels left or right while jacked. A binding steering spooks me.
The BDR uses a flipped RHD MR2 rack.
https://toyota.epc-data.com/imgjp/B3/MCA933E.png

You probably should just replace the the steering shaft and joints with beefed up parts.
Shopping list is here. You most likely will not need the center Heim bearing I added to mine.
Steering shafts upgrade

Further details are in this thread.
Can't take any credit but you should consider Speedbrakes steering upgrade.

[SBSerpent]

Originally Posted by spdbrake

No play actually.

On the rack free play I had tried that route 1st with no help. The adjuster is simply pushes the back side of the rack into the steering pinion gear. The Spring under the cap does the work and getting it too tight can cause a bind. Also that bind really can't be felt with the wheels installed as the caster pulls the wheels left or right while jacked. A binding steering spooks me.
The BDR uses a flipped RHD MR2 rack.
https://toyota.epc-data.com/imgjp/B3/MCA933E.png

You probably should just replace the the steering shaft and joints with beefed up parts.
Shopping list is here. You most likely will not need the center Heim bearing I added to mine.
Steering shafts upgrade

Further details are in this thread.
Can't take any credit but you should consider Speedbrakes steering upgrade.

"While I was at it I replaced the upper and lower steering shaft bearings. PN 32-31-1-158-835"

FYI. These bearings did not fit my steering outer support tube nor the inner steering tube. Both the OD and the ID of the bearing was too big. Eyeballing it I would say the bearing diameter was probably about 1/8" too big. Again, this is on a 2011 build with all stock components from BDR.

[Seanpatrick]

I have the same issue, i need to replace both of mine. The ones i pulled out were really cheap plastic crap. Anyone know where we can get these bearing? Thanks SPM

[spdbrake]

Yes, the PN 32-31-1-158-835 are the BMW bearings.

No, on the knowledge of will-fit replacements.

However it would be great if you would disassemble yours and mic out the measurements and then determine which bearings fit or are close to a drop-in replacement.

https://catalog.timken.com/BookshelfView/
(Timken owns Fafnir also)

[t walgamuth]

Originally Posted by SBSerpent

Is this adjustment made with the front wheels raised off the ground?

No.............