Play in steering rack after track session

[quattrostyle]

A few weeks ago I did a one hour track session with my coupe quattro type 85 which went fine untill the last lap when I suddenly experienced a shaking steering wheel along with some noises.
At first I thought it would be the tires as they were completely knackered by then, but I just had a look and it seems there is a problem with the steering rack see video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyfStHEdPkI&feature=youtu.be

Has anyone experienced something like this? If yes is replacing the rack the only cure? Really not looking forward to do that, actually I was planning to put it up for sale in the very near future.

[SteveH]

Typically it's the bolts that hold the carrier to the end of the rack which are loose. Have you tried tightening them?

[Pirvu Eugen]

That is not causing you the simptoms you described....is normal...maibe with some more preload at the pinion you can get that more ridgid...but i think your problem is somhere else...

[rynaqui]

What about drop links, Ball joints, FARB bushes? Just a few things you might want to check out

[terrybullwon]

You need one of these to stop your "slop"

[quattrostyle]

Thanks for your advice so far. All ball joints are new, wishbone bushes and subframe bushes are new, motor gearbox and top mounts also new.

The sounds comes from the rack and as far as I can see that's the only thing that has play in it. All the bolts are tight.

How can the pre load on the pignon be adjusted?

[jameswkr]

Its the centre bolt where the tube from the steering wheel meets the rack. You really need somebody adjusting it whilst another is moving the steering wheel. When I had a new rack fitted it took several attempts to get it right.

[quattrostyle]

Cool, will give it a try.
Thanks.