[Zmagnette] Road-Wandering Magnette

[Allen Bachelder]

MANY THANKS to all of you for your great advice.  ' Will pursue all the easy stuff and "not-quite-so easy stuff" soon and will report back.  It occurs to me that for those of you new to the list, this is a great opportunity to see the quality/quantity/spontaneity of help available on this list.  Love it, guys!  

Cheers,
Allen
****************************************************************
Allen & Florrie Bachelder       =iii=<
Spring Creek Home for Wayward MGs
'57 ZB, '65 B, '69 C/GT, '73 B/GT
North Street, MI 48049, USA
http://www.mgexperience.net/member/bachldrs
NAMGAR GT39 - REGISTER TODAY!
http://www.namgar.com/events/article/gt-39_ottawa_ontario/gt-39_get_ready_for_a_whole_lot_of_fun
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On May 12, 2014, at 8:41 AM, Chris Kotting wrote:

> Allen -
> 
> When I consulted Lou on this exact topic some time ago, she said the likely culprit was the steering rack bushings.  When they degrade (which they eventually will do) they allow the steering rack to move, creating the kind of slop you indicate.
> 
> Chris K.
> 
> On 05/11/2014 11:36 PM, Allen Bachelder wrote:
>> Well, Gang, we had a nice outing in "Geraldine" on Saturday - about 150 miles without any problems.  Except... an ongoing problem - exacerbated by some stiff crosswinds: it tends to wander. I feel a bit of slop while trying to correct - resulting in over-correction.  I totally rebuilt the front end a year ago this past winter and had it properly aligned.  It does not pull at all in either direction. The steering feels completely neutral.  I neglected to check my tyre inflation before setting out, but what would be the recommended tyre pressures on a Magnette. Tyres are 165/80R15 Nexen SB-80s.  I had them set to 32# all way 'round. ' Wonder if they would do better at around 28# in front.  I have yet to replace the rear bushes and shox, and I'm thinking there could be enough slop in the rear bushes to affect steering - but if so, would I not also experience torque-steering?  There is none. I mean NONE.  
>> 
>> All this leaves only the steering rack.  I already replaced the tie rod ends, and there is no slop in the king pins.  Any ideas?  My plan is to go from easiest to hardest: (1) - set front tyres at 28#. (2) rebush rear-end and replace rear shox, while making sure U-bolts are t-i-g-h-t. (3) Rebuild/replace steering rack. I believe I can get a rebuilt rack from Lou for £250 + core, which means I ship a steering rack round trip across the pond. At current exchange rate the £250 turns into about $422.00 US plus lots 'n' lots of shipping.  What are my domestic alternatives?  What's involved in rebuilding a steering rack anyway?
>> 
>> Thanks in advance, guys!
>> Allen
>> ****************************************************************
>> Allen & Florrie Bachelder       =iii=<
>> Spring Creek Home for Wayward MGs
>> '57 ZB, '65 B, '69 C/GT, '73 B/GT
>> North Street, MI 48049, USA
>> http://www.mgexperience.net/member/bachldrs
>> NAMGAR GT39 - REGISTER TODAY!
>> http://www.namgar.com/events/article/gt-39_ottawa_ontario/gt-39_get_ready_for_a_whole_lot_of_fun
>> **********************************************************************************************************************
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
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> 
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