I have noticed over the last couple of weeks that my car just aint the same on the road. It seems to wander slightly and there is a vibration coming through the steering even though Ive had the wheels balanced! Myself and a mate jacked up the car this evening and found very slight play in the drivers wheel when you grab it front to back and move it, accompanied by a knocking sound coming from the steering rack. The knocking sound can also be heard if the steering is wiggled with the engine off. Does the whole rack have to be replaced or is there a ball joint which can be screwed off and changed where the steering arm goes into the rack? Thanks in advance for any advice folks.

Simon

 

Try looking at the wheel bearing?

 

If there is play in the steering then it might the ball joint on the rack (under the inner most gaitor - known unofficially as the drumstick), it is a bugger to undo as you'll need something like a 32mmm, but it will save you having to replace the whole rack.

D

 

Thanks for the replies lads. Thats sounds like it Dunk. My mate said its a bar from the steeering rack to the wheel with a ball joint on the end. What is it called oficially, so I can order it tomorrow.

Simon.

 

BTTT

 

If it's a wheel bearing, there should be play in the wheel no matter what direction you push/pull it.

Normal practice(sp) is to try and rock it vertically to check for bearings etc and horizontally to check for steering (balljoints, rack etc).

Vindaloo.

 

Thanks Vindaloo. Its horizontal play alright, I think its the arm coming out from the steering rack. Ill investigate further tonight.

[Edited by Clubscene - 12/18/2003 4:24:05 PM]

 

Mate reckons its a bush inside the rack thats gone. He dosent think its replaceable so it looks like a new rack Unless someone can advise otherwise.