Rotary vs Rack

blchandler1981

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 14, 2009
Messages
35
Anyone have any opinions on what they think is the best mechanical steering, Rack&Pinion or Rotary and Why? Both Dual if that makes a difference

Thanks
 

tashasdaddy

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51,019
Re: Rotary vs Rack

rotary is much more user friendly for installation and service.
 

blchandler1981

Seaman Apprentice
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Mar 14, 2009
Messages
35
Re: Rotary vs Rack

Outside of installation and repair, whats the benefit (Driving) from one to the other?
 

Bondo

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Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,082
Re: Rotary vs Rack

Nope,.. Not really,.... It's usually rotary unless there's a Space issue behind the dash...
 

blchandler1981

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Mar 14, 2009
Messages
35
Re: Rotary vs Rack

Your right Bond-o, from doing a lot of research, there isn't really know difference (But Installtion). Both arn't that hard
 

tashasdaddy

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51,019
Re: Rotary vs Rack

when it comes to service, and removing cable from helm, rotary is so much easier.
 

krakatoa

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Aug 8, 2008
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Re: Rotary vs Rack

I already moved from Rack to rotary....:) from dual to single.... (again)???:cool:
 

Frank Acampora

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Jan 19, 2007
Messages
12,004
Re: Rotary vs Rack

Rack and pinion is a cut gear on the rack and a rotating pinion on the steering wheel shaft.

Rotary usually has a gear on the shaft turning a drum upon which the steering cable rides. The drum has grooves in the circumference to hold the spiral winding of the cable.

Both are positive engagement and somewhere around three turns lock to lock, but rack would be a tiny bit more precise. This doesn't make any real difference because of usual slop at the engine connection and some compliance in the cable itself. Dual cables make both more precise and able to handle higher horsepower engines.

So as said above, it comes down to room for installation. Rack and pinion simply takes more length under the dash while the rotary helm is a little bulkier vertically. You pays yer money, you takes yer choice.
 

blchandler1981

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Mar 14, 2009
Messages
35
Re: Rotary vs Rack

Thanks everyone for there replies, I just went with what I took out and upgraded to a Dual NFB R&P. Installition was pretty easy, went in just like the old one came out.

Thanks
 
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