[W126 Coupe] Rack & Pinion Steering

[Mike R.]

The rack is for an '85-90 Cadillac/Pontiac. It's a rebuilt unit that has had the internal plastic bearing pieces replaced with steel pieces but it's main claim to fame is that it has the same tie-rod inner pivot dimension as the SEC (~24"). At the moment, I don't have a provision for a steering shock absorber, as the SEC had, but it shouldn't be too hard to have a machine shop make a bracket that clamps on a tie-rod to which a shock can be attached. I have a couple spare heim joints that weren't used in the steering setup that could be used for a shock absorber. 

Read that for a diesel engine, pressurization (turbo or supercharger) will result in more power and more fuel mileage. With a gas engine, I'm told that you can one or the other, not both. YMMV, as well as your story to your significant other. :-)

Later,
Mike R.
(702) 494-8056
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Alexander Hochhausl 
  To: 'Mercedes Coupes Mailing Lists' 
  Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 7:10 PM
  Subject: Re: [W126 Coupe] Rack & Pinion Steering


  This is the missing link! I can't understand the use of Pitman-arm steering in the 20th century! I have been thinking about this mod for a while. I love everything about the SEC but the sloppy steering! When my steering box went ~ 1 month ago I bought a rebuilt, and it has more slop than my original. OK, even if you loved the Pitman arm concept, why does it not have a pre-load adjustment lit the R&P does. Not the "hard" adjustment, but a spring-loaded pre-load. I tried to make something one my 380 SLC in this manner, but failed miserably - not mechanically, but could not keep the fluid from leaking. That, and the miserable, idler arm pivot - so much slop! It is the last remaining source of high speed (120+MPH) vibs I have. I have replaced the bushings, bolt, etc. but for such a precision car design, it is just ugly. Would you be kind enough to share what R&P you installed?

   

  BTW - I fully respect the cost-vs-wife knowledge analysis - I have the same issue with my Supercharger set-up. I'm still trying convincing my wife that it's for better gas mileage! - but not sure if she believes me or if she's playing me for a sucker!

   

  Thank You,

   

  Alexander Hochhausl, PE

  Tel: 516-909-3794

   
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