View Full Version : Steering rack questions???
Snakeskin347
03-25-2021, 08:30 PM
Hi guys, I've come across another issue in my slow dissection of this MK4 from a previous builder. Can any one tell what rack I have or what the issue is from the pictures provided? I was experiencing way too much steering travel to the point that the caliper and the tie rod are hitting the shock when I turn the steering wheel with no wheels on! I would always know my limit from hearing the tire scrub but now that I have dug into it a little deeper I think I have a bigger problem than I thought. I purchased some travel stop spacers from Breeze but now that I am looking at it, it almost looks like there are bushings missing because I would need to use 15 or so to make them actually work. Is it normal for some of these racks to have a 6" void inside? I think that I need a different steering rack?
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mosh1999
03-26-2021, 03:32 AM
Does it turn a lot farther to one side than the other? If so it might just need to be centered, then you can insert spacers if needed. If it turns equally and you still have an issue, we can go to another step from there.
Snakeskin347
03-26-2021, 07:30 AM
Does it turn a lot farther to one side than the other? If so it might just need to be centered, then you can insert spacers if needed. If it turns equally and you still have an issue, we can go to another step from there.
Right now I can only assume that it is centered as I totally collapse the caliper and the tie rod into the shock on both sides when turned each way! What also made me believe that something is missing is that the passenger side inner shaft has about 3/16" play (up, down, back & forth...not in and out) but maybe this is normal. I have no problem stacking these spacers if necessary but the fact that I need to put over 3" of them in the passenger side alone makes me believe that something is not right? I took the day off to figure it out so I going to head out to the garage right now and hopefully I can get some more answers.
mosh1999
03-26-2021, 08:33 AM
Upload a few pics of the front steering and suspension, left and right sides.
Snakeskin347
03-26-2021, 09:03 AM
This is what I just found....now I'm pretty sure that I need a new rack. This thing looks dangerous.
Check the video...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcjoSJreWCc
rich grsc
03-26-2021, 09:12 AM
That rack is toast., replace it. Thats not safe.
Snakeskin347
03-26-2021, 09:16 AM
That rack is toast., replace it. Thats not safe.
Can you point me in the right direction on which one to buy? Are these shared with other cars or made just for the MK4? I will want to put a higher quality rack in it as this one only has 800 miles on it.
I have a stock FFR MKIV rack that came with my complete kit. I installed it and swapped for a power rack after only a few miles. Let me know if you are interested in it. I will never use it.
I see you are in Canada.....probably not worth the shipping.
Snakeskin347
03-26-2021, 09:48 AM
I have a stock FFR MKIV rack that came with my complete kit. I installed it and swapped for a power rack after only a few miles. Let me know if you are interested in it. I will never use it.
I see you are in Canada.....probably not worth the shipping.
I appreciate the offer but from previous experience I bet that you are right in regards to the shipping. Probably $150 plus add 30% exchange on top of what you would want for it. For curiosity sakes what are they worth and what do you want for it?
mosh1999
03-26-2021, 10:09 AM
Since you are not turning the rack and have that much movement, you should check for bent/repaired front steering arms/suspension parts also.
Snakeskin347
03-26-2021, 10:28 AM
Since you are not turning the rack and have that much movement, you should check for bent/repaired front steering arms/suspension parts also.
Yep, did that. I'm lost on why this is doing this. I'm just going to replace it. Hopefully I can get some input on what to buy and what my options are.
I appreciate the offer but from previous experience I bet that you are right in regards to the shipping. Probably $150 plus add 30% exchange on top of what you would want for it. For curiosity sakes what are they worth and what do you want for it?
it looks like they are $289 from FFR. I would only want $50 for it. It has been on a shelf for a long time. BUT, I did shorten the ends as they are too long. I dont recall the details, maybe they all have to be cut. If you are at all interested let me know and I can take photos and measurements to make sure it works. I wouldn't want something to not be compatible. You may want to check the search on here and the other board on racks. I remember several good threads from years ago (jeff Kleiner) with good information.
Snakeskin347
03-26-2021, 11:57 AM
it looks like they are $289 from FFR. I would only want $50 for it. It has been on a shelf for a long time. BUT, I did shorten the ends as they are too long. I dont recall the details, maybe they all have to be cut. If you are at all interested let me know and I can take photos and measurements to make sure it works. I wouldn't want something to not be compatible. You may want to check the search on here and the other board on racks. I remember several good threads from years ago (jeff Kleiner) with good information.
Thanks for the offer and your time. I did a little research and I think that I can get a Flaming River FR1503 here on Amazon for $400. I would feel more comfortable going this route due to the fact of it being brand new and that I can return it if another option turns up. I'll check those threads that you mentioned though. Thanks again!