Rack play

[chris.richard]

My hawk rack (presumably Herald origin) has a bit of play in it - I've checked all the UJs, and they're fine. The rack input spline shaft can rotate slightly before the rack moves. This is about 2cm of movement at the steering wheel rim. Does the rack need rebuilding? They need shims 'n' things don't they? Does it need a clever (paid) person to do it?

[guy mayers]

Chris, have you checked the Herald UJ? Sometimes the rubber in it can look solid but flex a bit? I'd also be tempted to disconnect the UJs and the steering arms to see how tight the rack is. I beleive that some play can be taken out by shimming the rack closer to the pinion but it's a safetly critical item I'd leave to the experts.
Guy