MG Car Repair: Midget steering rack, ball joints, new boots


Question
QUESTION: I'm installing a used 68 Midget steering rack. The ball joints that attach the arms to the rack seem to be pretty loose...at least compared to a Sunbeam rack that I've fooled with.  There is really no "play" in the joint, but very flexible.
Is this okay to use as is? Is it safe and how will if affect the feel at the steering wheel/
Thanks, Mark

ANSWER: The tie rod should be able to be moved up/down and forward/back but have NO in/out movement meaning any right/left movement as it would sit in the car. If it does you will get wheel shimmy on even light bumps in the road. If they are too loose you can take the end off and with shims tighten the ball up. Don't make them any tighter than to support their own weight meaning you can make them where they will just about hold them self straight out when positioned that way. Be sure to lube everything well and install new boots.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: They definitley will not support their own weight, but don't have andy left/right movement.  If the ends are taken off to shim, are their replacements available for the dimpled end caps?  Also, is there a site on line where I can find the specs for adjustments of the rack?  Third....exactly what should be used for lube in the rack?
Thank you, Mark

Answer
I have not seen any of the components of the rack listed lately but also have been able to tighten up quite a few by adjusting the shim thickness under the outer cap. The factory only had two shims available .05mm (.002")and .25mm (.010")
However, you will need to remove shims to tighten up on the ball. I have on many occasions had to look to other shims and cut the OD down to use what I could find in my junk parts. I even made one out of shim stock. It does not have to look pretty, just be the correct thickness. I adjust mine so I see that the tierod will just about support it's own weight but droop a small amount when held like it sits in the car.
The factory says lube the ball with graphite grease. At the dealership (way back then) BLM told us to put 90w gear oil in the rack itself.
I hope this helps.
Howard