Steering Rack

[BIG_MVS]

Got a friend of mine(Who works for Renault) to have a good poke round my recently purchased GTA. All OK apart from excessive play in the front nearside wheel, looks like the steering rack. This will fail the MOT so need to get something sorted soon.

Does anyone know if people re-con them or have a spare or do I have to have open wallet surgery and go to Mr Renault?

Martin

Martin,

They can be reconditioned using standard Renault parts by a few of the specialists. Paul Sage re-built mine a few years back - you can find his contact details under Alpine Renault Restoration in the links page.

Watch out though as Paul told me he had seen some companies using a fly press to squeeze the track rod ends tight again. Very quick and cheap but it won't get you very far.

Paul and the other Alpine specialists strip and rebuild using new parts so its perfect again!

Darren

[pgoldsmith]

Mine failed on extensive play, however it turned out just to be the plastic bushes had worn (either end of rack assembly) - one of the steering boots had worn which let water and dirt in which damaged the plastic bush.
I got a kit from Renteck for around £15 and my local garage fitted them.

Also I they gave me a tip - the standard Renault steering rack boots are too short and it's better to replace them with universal ones as they are slightly longer and hence shouldn't break so easily.

[BIG_MVS]

Cheers guys. Wish it was as simple as the track rod ends The problem lies in the steering rack end of things so I guess the steering rack will have to be re-built and all the bushes inside replaced?

Just got quoted £360 + VAT for new from renault(was worried it was going to be more - I got quoted over £600 for a 21 turbo one a while back.)

Darren - any idea of how much ARR charged for the rebuild?

Cheers,

Martin

Martin,

An ARR recon steering rack cost me £180.

In addition to this the U J on the steering column was replaced (£83.50 for a brand new Renault item) though yours may be fine.

Labour was £ 65 and then the awful VAT on top. This was all back in April 2001 so Paul's prices have probably gone up a bit since then.

Hope all that helps

Rgds

Darren

[pgoldsmith]

I didnt mean the track rod ends.
There's a plastic bush where the steering rod exits the steering rack case, it's this bush that gets worn.

[BIG_MVS]

Yes that's it pgoldsmith the steering rod as it enteres the rack! Upon furth inspection the steering rack boot has been replaced with an aftermarket one so I am wondering if the rain and water had got in and perished the bush but was not seen and a new boot only fitted?

Can you please give me details of Renteck and the correct kit I have to order.

Cheers,

Martin

[pgoldsmith]

Telephone number for Rentec is 01305 770033 the owner is a Mr Paul Eddy , very helpful chap.
good luck.
P.