I have some steering play around center position in my car and I've heard that it's possible to adjust preload to compensate for this. However I've also heard that adjusting the preload on "worn" steering racks is not recommended since the wear is essentially a central wear. This means that once the preload is adjusted in central position, it will become too strong when the car is steered and may result in steering ack binding! Indeed only central pinions are worn but not others. I'd like to know a bit more on how does the preload work. If anybody can explain me in detail what really occurs when the adjustment screw is tightened or give me a picture of the inside of a gear system, this would be nice. I've read that the adjustment screw acts on a thrust spring to preload the system. But does the preload mean that the gear is pressed on the rack? Should I avoid adjusting my steering rack for the reasons I've debated above?
Thanks
Thanks