IMPORTANT | Randall's Rack owners: PLEASE READ and CHECK your rack ASAP

[gonzothegreat]

Randall's Rack: broken center link

Today the unthinkable has happened, the centre link of my Randall's Rack steering has broken up.
I let you see the following pictures and ask you to URGENTLY thoroughly check yours, this is a life threatening situation if this happens on the motorway (or on any roads in that matter). I was lucky enough that this bar snapped while taking the car out of the garage.
There was no sound/noise what-so-ever, it just snapped.

I had someone (a machinist) looked at the broken piece, and been told that this is a very poor design.
We believe it did not fully happened today, but over a period of time. In fact in 3 stages (in my case).
If you have hit a curb with excess force (I did 2 years ago), do check the rack.

Will be ordering a new one, and a clamp/brace will be made to strengthen the bar.

 

[NY-67stang]

Your pictures open up to a very small pictures for my old eyes to make out details.

 

[gonzothegreat]

fixed

Your pictures open up to a very small pictures for my old eyes to make out details.

 

[j69302]

Wow it really doesn't look like there is as much material around the bolt holes as there should be.

There should also be additional support closer to the joint near the tie rod end - something like the TCP rack center link. Without support there, all the stress would be centered around the bolt hole.

 

[gonzothegreat]

Yes, there isn't much material, about 3 mm max. It's a poor design.
I really hope that anyone using this rack&pinion do check theirs.

 

[Fstbk]

Looks like the ends work hardend and broke. Not enough material from the looks of it.. I wonder if smaller bolts/hole would help?

 

[Az Pete]

The piece does look a bit on the poor design side but you also say you hit a curb hard. Anytime a curb is hit, one should really look into the area for damage. The design was most likely not "curb tested". It does not look like it would be a problem under normal driving plus there has not been a problem reported. Hope it is an isolated case here for sure and glad you were just moving slow.

 

[gonzothegreat]

Good news

I called Randall today regarding this issue, it's the first time ever they hear about a broken centre link.
Randall is the nicest person you can ever deal with, he is going to send me a full (minus main bracket) rack foc.
They are also going to study my broken rack and make modifications to the centre link to improve it.
From day one back in 2005, I have always received an excellent customer service from Randall .
So I'd like to thank Randall for his kind gesture of paying for everything.
We do believe the crack happened when I hit the curb about 2 years ago and should have been checked over , but hey ***** happens.

 

[Az Pete]

Good news for sure.....and possible changes too.

 

[NasaGT]

Glad to hear Randall is helping you out!