Capri laser MOT FAILURE!!

Please restrict your questions and replies to Capri related technical issues!
Post Reply
Capriscott
Posts: 51
Joined: Thu Aug 27, 2015 9:40 pm
Car(s): Ford Capri Laser 2.0 9 (almost complete restoration)

Capri laser MOT FAILURE!!

Post by Capriscott »

Hello everyone.

Just wanted some advice on my MOT failure for excessive play with the steering. I am very confused as last year it passed and now the examiner women says it's a fail. I haven't touched anything and said to her that it's an old car and they all do it as it's a rack and pinion. I was told to tighten up the tack rod ends which when I checked where tight. I know the mechanism from the steering wheel to the rack is fine and new. The only other place is the bushes that secure the steering rack which Is all brand new!! I will check on that soon.

Has anyone had any problems before or solutions?

Thanks
Rumble
Rumble
andyd
Posts: 8268
Joined: Wed Aug 20, 2014 10:43 am
Car(s): 1981 XR3
Location: Devon

Re: Capri laser MOT FAILURE!!

Post by andyd »

Woman examiner :o You sure she wasn't the cleaner :lol: :whistle:

My car was advised last week with slight play in inner steering rack ends, only 500 miles and 7 months after the last MOT when it passed.
Depends on how belt and braces the examiner is I think....Little consolation for you :(

:goodluck:
User avatar
Peter-S
Donator
Donator
Posts: 7453
Joined: Mon Jul 28, 2008 7:57 am
Car(s): 1985 Capri 2.0
1983 Capri 2.8i
Location: Kent
Contact:

Re: Capri laser MOT FAILURE!!

Post by Peter-S »

Have you put any mileage on the car since last year?
As you say there is a degree of inherent play but components can wear out.
When you say you've tightened the track rod ends do you just mean the nuts on the top?
I would suggest undoing those nuts, knocking the spindles out of the steering arm and checking for play in the ball joint. This is the most likely area of excessive play although the rack itself will wear out too.
ImageBanner by Peter Smith, on Flickr
User avatar
sheff
Donator
Donator
Posts: 1795
Joined: Thu Sep 25, 2014 8:52 am
Car(s): 2.8 Injection (Driving Project)

Re: Capri laser MOT FAILURE!!

Post by sheff »

Has the steering joint coupling got any play in it? http://capriclub.co.uk/suspension-handl ... t-Coupling
User avatar
nigecapri
Posts: 5795
Joined: Mon Jul 28, 2008 6:31 am
Car(s): Black 2.0S with supercharged bike carbs.
Location: http://www.blacklabradorpuppies.co.uk/
Contact:

Re: Capri laser MOT FAILURE!!

Post by nigecapri »

For offside play - Grab the tie rod at the rubber gaiter and shake it about. If it's got play where it goes into the rack then you can undo the top and front plates of the rack/pinion and remove the thin shim from each face. Do each one in turn and check for play / test drive. Too tight and it will make steering too stiff and it will not self-centre when exiting bends etc. Thin paper gaskets can be used for fine tuning.
This made a massive difference on mine !
Capriscott
Posts: 51
Joined: Thu Aug 27, 2015 9:40 pm
Car(s): Ford Capri Laser 2.0 9 (almost complete restoration)

Re: Capri laser MOT FAILURE!!

Post by Capriscott »

Thank you for the replies. I will go through the possibilities and let you know if any progress.

Everything has only had about 3000 miles wear and tear.

Cheers
Rumble
Rumble
Capriscott
Posts: 51
Joined: Thu Aug 27, 2015 9:40 pm
Car(s): Ford Capri Laser 2.0 9 (almost complete restoration)

Re: Capri laser MOT FAILURE!!

Post by Capriscott »

The problem seems to be resolved!!! Removed a few shims and it tightened everything up. Great shout.

Thanks everyone for the input
Rumble
Post Reply