When your P.A.S rack starts to get eaier one way than the other, it doesn't necessarily need replacing !!!
The following article describes how to adjust the rack.
Many thanks to Graeme Follett for the kind permission to use this article. Please take a look at his site: www.graemef.rapidial.co.uk
Introduction
It is common for the power steering racks fitted to 2.8 injection and
3.0L Capri’s to feel as if the power assistance in not balanced, in other words it is
easier to steer one way than the other. In some cases; mine included, the unbalance
can be so bad as to feel if there is no assistance turning right but over assistance when
turning left. The usual cure has been to replace the rack with a new unit costing
around £120 plus all the hassle that goes with it only to find the problem still exists
but in a different manner. The actual problem lies within the rack itself and is generally due to slack assembly
methods at the point of rack manufacture and can be resolved quickly and with no
cost, except your time. Adjustment The valve that needs adjusting lies at the end of the pinion shaft and is
adjusted by removing a locking tab and moving the inner race clockwise or
anticlockwise with respect to the outer race. Start by jacking up the front of the car and removing the road wheels while supporting
the car on axle stands. Disconnect the track rod ends but don’t unscrew them from
the rack otherwise you’ll need to reset the tracking, I find the best way to get the track
rod ends off without knackering the joint or rubber boot is to remove the split pin and
nut and then apply downward pressure on the track rod end stud, with this done use a
hammer to strike the part the track rod end goes through, with a good pressure and a
good hit they will separate quickly; usually by the third hit. Now start the engine, the steering wheel will move fully to one direction depending
on which way it was easier to turn when driving on the road, stop the engine. On the
rack remove the two bolts holding bearing cover in place (this is the domed pressed
steel one at what looks like the end of the steering column and NOT the 6mm thick
steel one)
You will need to replace the oil that came out, use a syringe to force 200mL of oil under the steering rack gaiter where it joins the track rod and then slowly turn the steering fully left and right to distribute the oil; use ordinary engine oil as this is for lubrication only, the steering rack hydraulic system has not been disturbed.
Refit the track rod ends and wheels and test. If it was anything like my own car you’ll be amazed at the difference the driving experience is, all for free. My thanks go to Peter Gibson for telling me how to do this and I pass this information in good faith.
