steering rack rebuild

Enthusiastically I took the steering rack on my 71 euro gt apart in order to install a quicker steering rack. I probably didn't need to do it but I like to take things apart. I am enclosing a picture of the rack sans the bearings which held the pinion gear in place. I attempted to push one of the bearings out on a press but I didnt realize that it was held together by a circlip and were not in fact one integral piece. The bottom came off and all the ball bearings scattered on the floor. I managed to push the rest of the bearing shell out (slightly chewed up the aluminum housing). The bearing that was exactly opposite (supporting the bottom end of the pinion shaft) is an exact match although not sealed had the following identification "R&M b18748 England". I have tried to cross reference this bearing but no luck. If anyone knows where I can get a replacement I would be appreciative. Importantly, the smaller diameter black circle you see is the seal that is used on the external side of the bearing and the steering column attaches here. I read John Corbani's thread re his steering rack but mine did not have any plastic shims whatsoever supporting the steering rack arms. However it is an early car. The rack itself says CAMGEARS LTD and is # 21465 on one end of the rack and #21461 on the pinion side of the rack. I have enclosed a few pictures to review. Thanks
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actually i bought that kit from Superformance when I was in the Uk (these guys are the very best)...however, it does not come with new bearings etc. So I took the rack apart and want to replace the bearings etc. I suspect that they are standard size since it is from a UK mfg. I have found a brand new morris mini rack for $200 bucks ...and although I am tempted to just buy it to see if it fits I am going to try to find new bearings & redo the one I have. I suspect that this is pretty common...so we will see. I am calling the Timken dist tomorrow to see if they have a fit.

 

coop- u are right on...the rack is 22.75" long....I called a mini shop & their racks are only 19" long. I will check with the Pantera site...I'm not sure how you know all this stuff but you are absolutely correct!! I will keep u advised of my progress...thanks a lot!!!!

 

Dave- I pm'd u a few days ago on this as I thought I remembered that you had found some bearings. I checked in with Panteraparts as Coop suggested but they dont sell many of the replacement parts and are more interested in doing an exchange unit (all rebuilt) rather than selling the individual pieces. I called the local Timken distributor & even had them look at the fchat pics of the bearings but no luck. However, there are a variety of parts that I would like to replace in the rack(bushings seals etc). I think these racks are also on the 308's as Coop suggested. I will just have to keep digging and I would be very interested in your R&M cross reference as no one that I have contacted has them. Thanks

 

Dave- I called Obsolete Bearings today & they had no reference to the bearings (R&M) that were used in my steering rack. If you get a minute I would be very interested in your cross reference. Thanks

 

Coop- thanks...i checked my xk unlimited catalogue last night & no close fits (but a great idea)...stupidly although I have a garage full of British metal (shhh dont tell anyone!!) I never bothered to look. I am trying to track down the author of that Pantera article and am waiting to see if I can get his # (Mike Drew). I will check this new place & measure everything up. This has to be simple but I am determined to figure it out...the car wont be going anywhere for a while & I am in no hurry. I will keep you posted on my progress. Thanks

 

ok...I am getting through all of this! So far no one can cross reference my bearing number..not even the mfg themselves! However, the only difference that I see in the original bearings and easy to find replacements is that the original had a shoulder on the one side of the bearing. Hopefully a straight replacement will suffice. I have ordered 2 bearings from www.applied.com (ID 9/16, OD 1 3/8, Width 7/16- remember this rack was made in UK and uses standard measurement). In looking at the rack itself it appears that the only thing that will be required (I hope) will be an oil seal to prevent oil from coming up where the pinion gear meets the steering column shaft. I am pretty sure I can find one that will fit. I am hoping to get the other parts from the Pantera place but if the bearings fit I wont need much. I will update with my progress. Thanks for all of your help.
PS I probably should have just left it all alone as it was fine anyway!!!

 

thanks for looking...i expect the new bearings next week...we'll see how they work...more than anything I just wanted to see how it all works...now I know (should have left it alone!!)