Hey Guys,

When I did my swap I figured it'd be the best time to mess with the steering rack. I debated over using a teg rack or getting the quaife rack & pinion setup. I went with the quaife, well, because I wanted to try it out.

With teh rack off the car, but the new quaife pieces in place, I rotated the pinion with my hand and immediately noticed a little play before it moved the rack. I double checked everything and I did install everything correctly. So I put the rack on the car.

Finally after weeks of problems with the swap I got it running and started to drive my car again. What I noticed right away was a weird feel. There was about 1'' of play to the left or to the right (when you turn the steering wheel). In that play, you can turn the steering wheel but the car will stay straight, once you turn the steering wheel past the play, the car turns. Tightly. Like it should.

So, my initial response was that I didn't get the tie rods set exactly as they were before. So I get an alignment. As suspected, my toe was way off so the tech gets it into spec. I still have that play though. Is this just the way it is? Is it supposed to act as a buffer zone or something like that? I mean, the car turns nicely and steering is tight once you're out of that play. It's just weird when you're driving the car straight and the steering wheel is continuously moving about within that play.

One other question. I have a jdm ITR complete rack. I was thinking about pulling it apart and swapping that rack/pinion into my EG casing and seeing if there was a difference. Would that fit into my EG rack since it's from a RHD car. I think it would, but just wanna confirm.

Thanks.

 

did you adjust the gearbox?

 

Are you talking about this piece?

 

yeah

http://www.honda.co.uk/owner/C...6.pdf
http://www.honda.co.uk/owner/C...4.pdf

you need to break that big lock nut first... use a channel lock wrench, unless you actually have that sized tool, its huge.

 

Thank you sir.

So by adjusting the rack guide screw you could actually set it to zero play in the steering wheel? Is that optimal with this rack? What is the recommended play?

 

just adjust it until you like it.

 

Cool. This is my project for tomorrow. Thanks for your help.

 

There is a "proper" amount of play...check the service manual for the rack you are using.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MightyMouseTech &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">There is a "proper" amount of play...check the service manual for the rack you are using.</TD></TR></TABLE>Yeah, I know. 10mm. I was just wondering if there is a different spec since I'm using an aftermarket rack. I'll shoot for 10mm

 

quaife only has a quick ratio rack and pinion for and EF rack or do they have components for other chassis?

 

There is a correct procedure for readjusting the steering rack. I had posted it in the civic forum at one point. I'll see if I can find it and put it up.

Here's the exploded diagram: (you may or may not have the o-ring on the guide screw)







Modified by Marauder at 9:52 AM 10/14/2005

 

Thanks for that. Just one question. After I loosen the guide screw lock nut , I tighten the guide screw till it compresses the spring and lightly bottoms out. How do I tell that it's being compressed and bottomed? Is it just a matter of feel?

Is there anyway to make sure the steering wheel stays set straight through this whole procedure?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by HapaHaole &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">quaife only has a quick ratio rack and pinion for and EF rack or do they have components for other chassis?</TD></TR></TABLE>

QUAIFE QSR Quick-Ratio Rack and Pinion Kits LTL Part Number List
Honda Civic, 1988-91 LHD NEW 2.83 60.435.010K $239.00
Honda Civic, 1992-95 LHD NEW 3.25 60.435.011K 239.00
Acura Integra 1994-2001 LHD NEW 3.25 60.435.011K 239.00

 

youre supposed to tighten it to a nominal torque value and then back the nut out.

whatever, just tighten it until you like it.

 

Is the quaife steering rack actually worth it? just wondering

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by NAPIER &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is the quaife steering rack actually worth it? just wondering</TD></TR></TABLE>

Totally worth it in my opinion. I've had one on my EF for about 9 months now. 2.3-2.4 turns lock to lock. I did a whole season of autocross (22 events) and daily driving (about 6,000 miles). I love it. The steering is fabulous for autocross. Don't need to shuffle the wheel. Just hold it at 9:00 and 3:00 and turn.

If you have an EF, you have to try it. Its awesome. I don't know for sure about the one for the EG though. Its not as big an improvement as the EF one (3.88 lock to lock, down to 2.3-2.4).

 

Why do you think they made it less for the EG? The EG goes from 4.0 to 3.25ltl. I can feel the improvement, but it's not drastic.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by litterbox &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Why do you think they made it less for the EG? The EG goes from 4.0 to 3.25ltl. I can feel the improvement, but it's not drastic.</TD></TR></TABLE>

They did that because that was the largest pinion that would fit through the hole in the rack housing. When this project first came up, Brian Hasty at Fastbrakes was working with Quaife and wanted a shorter ratio, but Quaife was unwilling to sell a product that required modifying of the factory rack housing.

 

Gotcha.

 

can't you put the teg rack on an ek... ?.. i have a 99 ek dx

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by GripStar &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">can't you put the teg rack on an ek... ?.. i have a 99 ek dx
</TD></TR></TABLE>You'll need to use an EG crossmember. (I think)

 

Thanks for the information.

 

Just curious, I have been starting to autocross more and more with my 95 hatch. I dont have power steering so sometimes it can be tiresome running on the weekends. Do any of you guys have experience running this Quaife rack on the streets or would it be to much of a burden for daily driving. Just curious...thanks

 

I daily drive my car. It's fine.

 

how much do those racks run??? lookin to get into track racing and just wandering about a price cause the stock eg rack is tiring me when i have to shuffel...