I'm considering overhauling my steering rack this summer as it's starting to feel notchy... especially when on a long straight run such as motorways.

What level of technical ability will I be having to summon from the depths, and what special tools will I need? I

Is it worth stumping up for a recon rack to save myself undue pain?

Cheers,

Aidan

It is a relatively easy job when its out of the axle.I overhauled the rack on my van,but the axle was out anyway.You may need a special tool to remove the pinion shaft,the seal is housed in a slotted housing(unless its been replaced with one with a nut on) and this needs to be unscrewed to get the pinion and bearing out.Once thats done,the rest is easy.
You can take the axle off the car easily enough,dont know about taking the rack off with the axle in situ,but I am going to refurb an old rack and replace the one on my D*lly some time soon,so I will no doubt find out.
You can buy a kit from Ecas to overhaul the rack.

May also need tool to remove track-rod's from rack.
This tool from ECAS is made to fit.
http://www.ecas2cvparts.co.uk/track-rem ... -1849.html
Other tools may damage the ball-pins in the rack.
For me most times its the pinion bearing that has failed
Have a go, a recon rack is £220 + shipping for heavy item or your time + parts approx £70.

Oh,and speak to Scooby Pete about fitting gease nipples,hes good at it

@Dave ,you really must read through your posts before hitting the submit button

Whoops,sorry,hes crap at it

Cheers for the advice... i do have another question. is the rack serviceable in situ, or does it have to come out of the car?
I'll have a punt on that rack... cheers Neil.

You have to take the rack out of the car, quite easy to do. 1/2 day to remove, repair and refit.

I put a bid on that rack - although it's rhd and I'm lhd. Might be useful for spares at least. Are the internals interchangeable lhd/rhd?