i got a 2nd hand (ex racing) mk2 escort quick rack for the pickup, however its got a fair amount of free play in it. about 5 degrees i think maybe a bit more, 10 perhaps, i don't know. more than it should have anyway.

when you turn the wheel it moves towards you a tiny bit, turn it the other way it moves away from you. this can be seen on the pinion shaft on the rack too.

is there a way to adjust this, or tighten it up at all? i don't really want to have to take the rack apart. these things have a habit of not working again when i take them apart

is it to do with preload or something?

Adjusted with shims.
If it's fixable you'll have to dismantle.
Axial movement suggests need to replace bearings.
Bob

its not side to side movement (so bearings might be ok?)

the pinion shaft moves in and out of the casing so shims should sort it you think?

Pinion bearings to check and then shim.

cool! might have a look tomorrow, then again, might take it to the guy who's doing my engine...
have a horrible feeling its full of springs and other bits that will come flying out and get lost when i open it up

Be aware that if you adjust the rack damper so it is free from excessive play in the centre it may bind at full lock. So remember to test at the extremes of lock as well as at the centre of the range of steering.

Steering rack adjustment usually ends up a bit of a comprimise -- but thats life.

No flying springs to worry about ;^)
Suggested bearings 'cos I can't think how else axial play could develop - at the very least the big bearing (on the column end) must have got sloppy!