12 years ago Alice (Rapier IIIa) failed her MOT on play in steering (and front flexible hoses)
I checked the endfloat which was around .015" and so removed a couple of shims it now sits nicely at .006". There is still some play at the steering wheel - but I do not know if this is normal on the Rapier. Because the parts didn't arrive to get her in for a test on Monday I now have time sort this properly. I do have a replacement steering box but if some play is normal I dont want to waist time...or parts.
Steering boxes will have some play, and the trouble is modern MOT stations won't have a clue how to deal with them. Check against another known good car if you can.
Apart from endfloat, have a look at the output shaft while someone is rocking the steering wheel - it is possible to get wear in the bushing down there and that can also give quite a lot of play. Somewhere like steering services in Wimbledon cam install a new bush and ream it to size if needed. Unfortunately that needs the box out.
Thank you. Now the car is through its MOT I find the steering just does not feel right - so will change the box over. It looks like an easy enough job.
Steering Box adjustment
Posted - 30 May 2015 : 14:15:55
