Steering rack trouble!

[bwwooster]

I got my MkII on the road last year and after about 250 miles, I started hearing a really strong metallic clack from the front, which seemed to happen not when the car hit a bump, but when I turned the wheel slightly to the right. After jacking up the front of the car and trying to shake every moving part, it looks like the inner rack ball joint is loose on the left end of the rack. It's a Unisteer 3.3 turns lock-to-lock rack I got several years ago in the middle of the great building process.

Qs: Anybody else have this problem? Is the ball joint adjustable? Unisteer's website is pretty wonky, at least on my computer, and I can't figure out what their warranty terms are.

Thanks!

John T.

[michael everson]

I don't believe its adjustable. Can you measure the length of it? There is a slim possibility that I may have a spare.
Mike

[CraigS]

I don't know on your rack specifically how it is locked in place but that inner joint threads into the end of the rack itself. I would slide the boot toward the wheel so you can look at the joint. It is possible it is just loose at the rack rather than the joint being worn. good luck!

[bwwooster]

Thanks, guys. When I took it apart, I was pleased to find that I was wrong! The rod end can be used as a baby's rattle. Aurora replacements are on their way!