Steering Rack Rebuild?
 

While doing the tie rod upgrade on my 82 SC I pulled the rack to freshen it up. It was pretty dry inside so I replaced the bearings and am in the process of putting it back together. Everything is good until I put the pressure block back in. Once I add the shims, spring, and tighten the cover, the rack becomes very stiff and takes some force to move. There really isn't much that can go wrong with it though. Has anyone experienced this before? Any suggestions?

Chris

I have no experience in there

may I ask bearing and other part numbers and did you source them from pelican?

The only 2 parts that are easily sourced are the bearings which I picked up from a local industial bearing supply house in Miami. Blair Bearings Inc, 305-233-3020
Torrington HK 1712 (needle bearing)
SKF 6202 (ball)

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/porsche-911-technical-forum/85404-steering-rack-rebuild-procedure.html
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=224112&highlight=steeri ng+rack+rebuild

The above 2 links will help. Notice that there is a "lash" adjustment. You may be binding up the gear when fully assembled and tightened down.

I think the spec is 6 or 7 inch-pounds to rotate the pinion once it's bolted up. If you're just using your hand on the pinion shaft, it will be difficult to turn.

Correction: 113 - 198 in-oz, which works out to 7 to 12 inch-pounds, measured at the steering wheel.

So if you take 20 - 30% off for the 2 u-joints, 5 to 8 inch pounds at the rack seems reasonable.

My car is a 1970 and my steering rack is different than the ones shown in the links above. Im restoring the whole car and I also want to do the rack. Thanks in advance.