How to adjust steering rack preload?

[piotr]

As per title,could somebody advise how to adjust rack preload ?I thought I will have to turn the 10mm bolt on the rack on the little plate but it's solid so maybe I'm.doing something wrong ?

[hunker7]

That's the correct one mate. Little 10mm but at the top. It is pretty stiff but it shouldn't be seized.

[piotr]

Cheers buddy,i will try again

[piotr]

So I did try to move the 10mm bolt on the top of the rack but it feel solid so I stopped before it would go wrong .I did called steering rack repair workshop and the guy said that this should not be adjusted on the car so I'm confuse now .Is anybody else did that before with good result ?

[rynaqui]

Try soak it before and tap it lightly with a hammer if it's not budging. I adjusted mine a year or so ago without issues.

[piotr]

Try soak it before and tap it lightly with a hammer if it's not budging. I adjusted mine a year or so ago without issues.

Should I loosen off the other two bolts (13mm I think)On this little plate or not?

[Error404]

No - just the 10mm centre bolt. They can be quite stiff - undo the adjuster slightly first.
I will incrementally increase the preload until the steering starts to bind - you will notice this as the steering will not self centre. Be careful as this is an unusual sensation and quite dangerous - tests are best done off the public road
Once you find the point at which the steering starts to bind, back off the adjuster slightly until normal self-centring is found.

[piotr]

Lovely -Thank you gents

[s2dk]

why do you do this? never heard of it before? is it when fitting new rack? or does it get softer with time?

[Error404]

As the rack & pinion wears a little bit, then you have some lash = play in the steering

[piotr]

Just like Alex said,all the components in my suspension have been replaced but I still have got tiny play and it is in the steering rack so hopefully if I will adjust it the feel of steering should be nicer