Centering a Mk1 steering rack

[Skeete]

I have a Mk1 1962, and I dont appear to have a centering hole in my steering rack. I think (correct me if I am wrong) that the original mk1 racks didnt have a centering hole.

What is the best procedure for centering the rack?

[olddave]

That's correct, Mk2 on.

Easy way, equal length of track rods measured from the inner rack boot clip.

[Peter Laidler]

To centre the Mk1 rack, wind it to the left and accurately count the full and part turns until it stops at the right. Half that stop-to-stop figure and return by that half amount. The rack part of the steering rack is centred

[Spider]

To centre the Mk1 rack, wind it to the left and accurately count the full and part turns until it stops at the right. Half that stop-to-stop figure and return by that half amount. The rack part of the steering rack is centred

That's how I do all of them, MKI and MKII.

[Polarsilver]

Rack centered ..the splined input shaft should have its clamp bolt Groove at the bottom ..Then i paint Tipex onto the spline input shaft & scribe a vertical line across the shaft that way you can see where the Rack is position as you align the Colum to the rack input shaft with the clamp bolt at the bottom .. remember there is the need to get the steering shaft Indicator Switch Trip block in the correct position. .. also when setting the Tracking on the ball joints i ensure they are adjusted each side the same or near same amount of thread count otherwise the effort to center the Rack is waisted.

[Skeete]

Thanks to all.

I actually drove it down my driveway (it’s really long and straight) with the column not bolted on properly, stopped the car and put it on and aligned the wheel as well.

Probably not the best way, but it worked.

[Terence]

Rack centered ..the splined input shaft should have its clamp bolt Groove at the bottom ..Then i paint Tipex onto the spline input shaft & scribe a vertical line across the shaft that way you can see where the Rack is position as you align the Colum to the rack input shaft with the clamp bolt at the bottom .. remember there is the need to get the steering shaft Indicator Switch Trip block in the correct position. .. also when setting the Tracking on the ball joints i ensure they are adjusted each side the same or near same amount of thread count otherwise the effort to center the Rack is waisted.

Unless it’s LHD

[InnoCooperExport]

That diagram isn't drawn in a confusing way at all with the RHD model having the steering wheel on the left and LHD on the right

Good tip though.