Steering rack play (mk1 cabrio)

[VWnut]

Hi,
My mk1 cabrio has a bit of play in the steering rack. I have been told that this can be adjusted by a bolt at the back of the rack itself. Has anybody ever done this?
Cheers
Tom

[mk1]

There is a adjuster on the steering rack pinion to set the preload, if this needs adjusting there must be some wear in the rack. I would not recommend adjusting this as the rack could go tight on lock as this part of the rack rarely wears. Check the rubber mounts, if they are OK, get a re-con or new rack.
Steve.

[richandhazel]

Over the years I've been collecting tricks and tips from the forum for future reference. I haven't put them onto a website yet, but one of the tips I kept, may answer your question. I can't remember who posted this, I think it was modulator, appologies if I'm wrong:-

'You can adjust out slight play in a steering rack as long as its not completely knackered, Look where the steering coloumn meets the rack and you'll see on the rack a plate with two securing screws and a screw in the middle, twist the screw in the middle in till you feel it starting to bind then wind it back very slightly.'

I've never done this myself so you may be well advised to follow Steve's advice

[VWnut]

Thanks for the advice chaps. I'll have a go at adjusting it as money is a bit tight to buy a new one at the moment. I have got a feeling it'll need adjusting sooner rather than later.

[hairyarse]

I've been meaning to do mine but not got round to it yet. Keep us posted if you do!

I reckon you have nothing to lose if you are going to replace anyway might as well give it a go and hopefully save some dough!