Centering the steering rack

[Traveller]

I am use the FFR power steering rack and am setting about centering it following the excellent instructions posted by Karlos here (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?19175-Steering-Rack-Install-Setup-Procedure).

In his post and others I've seen, everyone uses a fixed point on the inner tie rods as compared to the frame. Why not just measure to the end of the threaded arms since they appear to be equal length? That way one does not have to pull back the boots with their one-time-use clamps.

Thanks,
Jason

[GoDadGo]

Mark Reynolds has a solution for that.

https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/offset-rack-mounting-kit-for-ffr-roadster-and-coupe/

I went with a steering quick disconnect hub, aftermarket wheel and set it up to be centered.

[Traveller]

Mark Reynolds has a solution for that.

https://www.breezeautomotive.com/shop/offset-rack-mounting-kit-for-ffr-roadster-and-coupe/

I went with a steering quick disconnect hub, aftermarket wheel and set it up to be centered.

Yes - i am using that. I am curious if I can use the threaded arm ends as the reference point for taking measurements rather than pulling the boots back.

[Papa]

Here's the method I used:

1. Turn the wheel all the way to the left
2. Measure from the end of the tie rod to the rack body on the left (driver's) side (Measurement A)
3. Turn the wheel all the way to the right
4. Measure from the end of the tie rod to the rack body on the left (driver's) side (Measurement B)
5. Subtract B from A and divide by 2 (Measurement C)
6. Add Measurement B and Measurement C (Measurement D)
7. Turn the wheel back to the left until the distance from the tie rod end to the rack body on the left (driver's) side is equal to measurement (Measurement D).

Your rack will now be centered.

Example (actual measurements will be different!):

A = 13"
B = 8"
C = (13-8) / 2 = 2.5
D = 8 + 2.5 = 10.5

This will give you equal turn lock to lock in both directions from "center". It will allow you to align the steering wheel. Karlos' post is much more in depth and accomplishes a lot more than my method. I'm not doing my own alignment, so I just wanted to get the lock-to-lock in the ball park.

[GoDadGo]

Papa Dave's Got The Plan!

[Traveller]

Measurements done - the difference was 1/8" first try, so a 1/16" adjustment needed. Is that close enough or should I try to slide it over 1/16"?

Update: Tried to bump the rack over 1/16" but could not get a screwdriver into the breeze bushing on the drivers side given interference with the frame. Going to lock it down as is. I threaded on the tie rod ends and have them set to the recommended 53 1/16" length.

I do not see torque value for the steering rack to frame bolts. Does anyone know?

thanks!
Jason

[VAHokie]

In my instructions from Mark for the offset bushings, he has 50 ft-lb listed in step #10, which is what I used.

I didn't see the 53 1/16" measurement you mentioned, can you explain what that is? Is it the measurement from the outer/inner end of one tie rod to another?

Thanks,
Tony

[Traveller]

In my instructions from Mark for the offset bushings, he has 50 ft-lb listed in step #10, which is what I used.

I didn't see the 53 1/16" measurement you mentioned, can you explain what that is? Is it the measurement from the outer/inner end of one tie rod to another?

Thanks,
Tony
Thanks Tony.

The 53 1/16" measurement is from the assembly manual to set approximate alignment. I don't have my manual in front of me but it is right there with the rack installation instructions. It's the distance between the center of the tire rod ends when the arms are straight.

-Jason

[phileas_fogg]

When I centered my rack, I got it to within 1/8" of center first try. After a couple of iterations, I was able to get it to within 1/16". If you're that close, I say you're done!


John

[VAHokie]

Thanks Tony.

The 53 1/16" measurement is from the assembly manual to set approximate alignment. I don't have my manual in front of me but it is right there with the rack installation instructions. It's the distance between the center of the tire rod ends when the arms are straight.

-Jason

Thanks, Jason. For the life of me, I can't find where that measurement is referenced in the manual. Can you provide a page number? Thanks for clarifying.

Thanks,
Tony

[Traveller]

Thanks, Jason. For the life of me, I can't find where that measurement is referenced in the manual. Can you provide a page number? Thanks for clarifying.

Thanks,
Tony

Hi Tony. It is on page 140 in my manual which is version 4U. I sent you a PM as well...

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=117700&d=1574045060

[egchewy79]

Measurements done - the difference was 1/8" first try, so a 1/16" adjustment needed. Is that close enough or should I try to slide it over 1/16"?

Update: Tried to bump the rack over 1/16" but could not get a screwdriver into the breeze bushing on the drivers side given interference with the frame. Going to lock it down as is. I threaded on the tie rod ends and have them set to the recommended 53 1/16" length.

I do not see torque value for the steering rack to frame bolts. Does anyone know?

thanks!
Jason

I got to within 1/8" and called it a day. I also noticed that it was hard getting clearance on the DS frame with a screwdriver. I also found it extremely difficult to adjust the bushings with the bolts in place, even if not torqued. i found that I had to completely remove the PS bold, then slowly rotate DS bushing until distance was set, then install PS bolt. not ideal but it worked.