[Zmagnette] Road-Wandering Magnette

Mon May 12 09:03:52 MDT 2014

Just to add a little more to Chris's mention of steering rack bushes, I
replaced mine about 3 years ago, they were terrible, however, the steering
was okay.  It is a pig of a job with the engine in place.

Last year when I had my engine out, I looked at the "new" bushes and they
were already starting to deteriorate!  It seemed to me that polyurethane
bushes would make a lot more sense.  Anyway, I looked around and none could
be found.  I did find out that Austin Healey 3000 anti-roll bar link bushes
can be shortened to fit, they are apparently the correct diameter and have
the correct step in them.  I tried to order some and they were out of
stock, so consequently, I just put rubber ones back in - I probably should
have persisted!

With the engine out it is a really easy job.  My humble advice is whenever
you have your engine out, look at your rack bushes and replace them anyway,
they cost pennies and will save a lot of anguish if they need replacing
later on.  If you can, fit polyurethane!

Kind regards,

David

On 12 May 2014 15:45, Allen Bachelder <bachldrs at comcast.net> wrote:

> 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
> <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
> <http://www.namgar.com/events/article/gt-39_ottawa_ontario/gt-39_get_ready_for_a_whole_lot_of_fun>
> *
>
> ************************************************************************************************************************
>
>
>
>
>
> 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
> <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
> <http://www.namgar.com/events/article/gt-39_ottawa_ontario/gt-39_get_ready_for_a_whole_lot_of_fun>
> *
>
> ************************************************************************************************************************
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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