Technical Failed MOT on Steering Rack...

[Alleycat]

As above really... Franco failed on excessive play in the steering rack today.
He has PAS. Ony done 60,000 miles...

Basically I think it has become worn out when the bent steel wheel was left on and it shook the car to pieces.

My question is, would I be better off getting one from a scrap car/car being broken, or a brand new one? The main issue is cost... really on a budget at the moment so cost is a real issue. Any rough ideas on price?

Secondly, is it an easy job to remove and replace? Or is it the type of job that really needs a professional? I am good with cars, but cannot afford to get anything wrong if it's a tricky one.

Thanks in advance

Becca

 

[beau]

how did they fail it? excessive movement at the steering wheel?

 

[Alleycat]

Copied exactly from the sheet:

(during lock to lock check) Steering system has excessive free play detected at the steering wheel (steering rack fitted)

 

[jonboy739]

nightmare to change thats all i can say i would check and see if it is the track rod ball joints that attach to the steering rack first cause they are reasonable enough to change and not expensive. i have a steering rack off a 1.4 tipo that you could have at a good price if you need one

 

[jonti]

Good advice. Total nightmare hard to reach and power steering fluid leaking all over the place. This is what is a garage is for, and the actual part is not expensive. Fiat Leeds tried to diddle me with this line 25,000 miles ago, maybe you should get a second opinion?

 

[Alleycat]

Cheers guys pretty much what I expected to hear.. i've rang a garage I was reccomended and they're having a look for their best price for me, but i've found a genuine NOS replacement for £70, which sounded good to me - what do you think?

I will get a mechanic friend to have a look at the car I think then Jonti - the MOT tester was a new bloke at my local garage and looked down his nose at my car, and was in general not so nice. One of those that looks at me and thinks ah she's a woman so i'll make out like changing a sidelight bulb is a massive issue

 

[jonti]

Well, this IS darkest Staffordshire. It would be surprising for this to occur at 60,000 miles if that is the genuine mileage, but if you have a square wheel I'd always move it to the back of the car anyway. For a recon that sounds about right.

 

[Alleycat]

The wheel has been sorted now, but it was left wobbly for far too long
It is on genuine mileage. The car came from a family friend and she owned it from new

 

[Hellcat]

What was done? Replacement rack?