Dead Shocks or dead rack??
 

Hi,

Very standard turbo 2000 which is needing constant adjustment to steering to keep it in a straight line (minor but annoying). It has appeared to get worse after hitting a pothole. It also feels odd around corners with dips or bumps.

The rear shocks have always knocked slightly and if the car is left for a long period pushing the rear on one side makes both sides go down quite easily with very little damping. After about 3 or 4 pushes its then feels fine and will be until left for a long time. Is this what is affecting the cars position when cornering over bumpy roads?

On trying to diagnose the steering vaugeness I've checked all the wheel alignments (fine) wheel bearings (fine as far as I can tell), track rod ends (fine) and the ball joints (fine). However the one question I'd like to know is whether the steering rack should make a knocking noise when dry steering. I know its not supposed to be done but you need to load the components to find the knock. Wiggling the steering wheel gently gives a couple of quiet knocks each way. Wiggling it harder seems to give a louder knock which sounds different (can't remember if there were two or not). The rack appears to be secured well and the noise appears to be coming from the drivers side in the "gearboxy"?! bit.

Any clues on these issues?

Matt

I know you have checked but the bottom ball joint if worn can cause the constant steering correcting as you described.