play in the steering rack

[PK]

I renewed the rubber mounts for my steering rack. However there is still way too much play in it is in operation.
Am i missing something obvious or should i ditch the rubber in favour of polyurethane mounts

bmw e21 316 1983 - non damper type rack

[e21-Mark]

Poly mounts are better but you might struggle to find a UK supplier. I got mine from Bavarian Autosport in the USA. I tried to get Superflex to consider making them but it might be an idea to send them one and see if they have another bush that might just fit?

[E21meister]

I take it you mean play when trying to steer? You haven't overlooked other possible causes of play, like the track rod ends or the actual rack and pinion in the steering gear being worn?

[PK]

i replaced the track road ends and took the rack out to test for faults. its all fine. It's just those wobberly rubbers not securing the rack in its mount tightly enough. when stationary you can see the whole rack moving from side to side on the rubbers.

P

[e21-Mark]

Main dealers for new bushes are cheap enough,

[PK]

i tried ones from germany, after they were in i had it re-mot'd and the mot man he say: 'too much play' everything went back as it should have, washers and bolts all present and correct. From underneath the car you can literally see it squirming in the mounting 10mm plus of play on the rubbers either way!

£67 to get them from the US, have reluctantly ordered them

[murran]

mine moves around in the sqidgey rubbers when rocking the steering while the cars stationary... but no where near as much as 10mm.
i need new rack rubbers too tbh.