Briefly, on a different note.

The pegged socketed threaded thing (sorry to get technical) with the spring behind it, on the steering rack/axle.

I'll be looking to adjust it as there is play in the steering. I realise play can be in other places and have read other threads, but thought this worth trying.

Just wondered if anyone had any tips regarding an item to tighten it in situ.

Cheers

"Pegged socket threaded thing".
Ah - the tie rod end castellated nut held by a split pin?

After removing the split pin, the castellated nut can be undone, or further done up.
But be warned: the nut presses against a ball seat which in turn bears on the ball of the steering arm, which then bears on another ball seat and finally the spring which itself butts against the inside of the tie bar end (often called track rod).

In the straight ahead position of the steering the greatest wear creates a ridge on the steering lever ball. This can cause play. The danger here is in adjusting the nut against the spring, which might reduce play at this point, but when turned on any amount of lock will cause stress on the steering lever ball end as the spring becomes compressed, and the ball seat bears hard against its limit of travel. The ensuing stress can fatigue the steering lever to the point of fatigue, and possible breakage. This is not something you want to experience when on the move.

The correct adjustment of the tie bar/track rod end castellated nut is to wind it in fully, then back off one sixth of a turn (not one sixteenth of a turn as is stated in Haynes). The steering must then be checked for binding by turning from lock to lock - there must be none.

A tool for undoing the castellated nut can be made from a piece of flat bar, bent over at 90°.

Look also at the state of the steering rack guide ring. This is often the prime cause of steering play, as well as worn steering arm ends; king pins; steering pinion bearing wear; and a loose steering column on the pinion.

Thanks Derek, but I think we are talking cross purposes "Pegged socket threaded thing".

I was thinking of the the bit that pushes the rack against the pinion.

This doesn't look like the manual!

Oh - that one!

Your photo shows the top side (I think - unless someone has welded it up and smothered it in muck?). The plug is on the underside. The nut, spring and plunger are at 90° to the steering column and pinion.

Yes Derek, I think your correct, I need to be 90* to this.q
I suspect the chassis is in the way.

Thanks

IMG_2867 by Robndaisy, on Flickr

IMG_2875 by Robndaisy, on Flickr

Thanks Rob

That's really helpful.

Not that I can be sure of being able to do this in situ, and assuming your looking at a rack out of the vehicle, would you mind measuring and giving me an indication of the width/thickness of flat steel I'm going to need to make a tool.

Thanks

Grateful

Awesome 57

Guess I was looking at item 26.

P1010111 by Robndaisy, on Flickr

P1010110 by Robndaisy, on Flickr

Just under 22mm. O/D. Available from eg. Ecas. Some folks make their own from a suitable socket.