5.0 with steering problem

M

MacDiesel

New Member

Feb 5, 2004

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Jul 22, 2004

#1

• Jul 22, 2004

• #1

My 89 mustang gt used to drive like crap, so i changed the rack & pinion and the power steering pump and it still drives like crap. When i hit a bump it jerks me around. It doesn't do that so bad now with the new rack. Also, the steering wheel has a lot of play in it. Basically, it seems like I am all over the road. Could this maybe be in my head because i have a 98 cobra that drives perfectly, and that is what i am used to? Thanks to anyone who helps. I am angry that i spent about $200 on a new rack, pump, and hoses for nothing.

 

93 teal terror

Founding Member

Jul 13, 2001

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Durham N.C.

Jul 22, 2004

#2

• Jul 22, 2004

• #2

Which rack did you get?? If you got a 4cyl rack it will drive real floaty like an old caddilac. I have a 4cyl rack in mine by accident, some people hate it but most actually like the feel.

 

M

MacDiesel

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Feb 5, 2004

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Jul 22, 2004

#3

• Jul 22, 2004

• #3

unless NAPA accidentally gave me the wrong one i got the one with performance suspension

 

93 teal terror

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Jul 13, 2001

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Durham N.C.

Jul 22, 2004

#4

• Jul 22, 2004

• #4

hmmm...dont know then. A bump steer kit might help keep you from getting bumped around. What kinda shocks/struts do you have on there. If your struts are shot it will the car will drive like crap...like mine

 

M

MacDiesel

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Feb 5, 2004

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Jul 22, 2004

#5

• Jul 22, 2004

• #5

i am not sure what kind of shocks/struts, but i know they are shot

 

93 teal terror

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Jul 13, 2001

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Durham N.C.

Jul 22, 2004

#6

• Jul 22, 2004

• #6

If you put a new set of shocks/struts on you will probably find that you eleminate a majority if not all of what you are decribing. I just put some koni reds on the back of mine and man what an improvement. Koni's Reds have gotten fairly cheap these days....summit charges $99/shock and $149/strut. As soon as I get the money Im gonna get the struts as well.

 

M

MacDiesel

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Feb 5, 2004

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Jul 22, 2004

#7

• Jul 22, 2004

• #7

thanks a lot for your input man

 

93 teal terror

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Jul 13, 2001

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Durham N.C.

Jul 22, 2004

#8

• Jul 22, 2004

• #8

No problem....maybe someone else can give a different perspective?

 

jrichker

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Jul 22, 2004

#9

• Jul 22, 2004

• #9

If the struts are good, an increase in caster via Caster/Camber plates will help. Setting the caster to 3 degrees on each side will eliminate road wander if everything else is in good shape.

The last few words of the above statment are the kicker..."if everything else is in good shape". That means struts, tires, alignment, ball joints and outer tie rod ends. A really good front end shop can eliminate most of the things you aren't familar with testing. Find one that will let you watch & ask questions while they are working on your car. Take what you learn and use it to fix your problems.

 

M

MacDiesel

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Jul 22, 2004

#10

• Jul 22, 2004

• #10

anybody else have any suggestions???

 

B

battyice

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Mar 7, 2004

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West Chazy, NY

Jul 22, 2004

#11

• Jul 22, 2004

• #11

For a long time my car was kind of drifty and didn't have a real tight feel. I just had the lower control arm bushings replaced and what a difference. 130k had taken it's toll and some of my bushings were pretty loose, the new ones really improved the way the car handles. Just another thing for you to check when you're under there.

 

R

ratrapp

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Apr 24, 2004

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buena vista,va

Jul 22, 2004

#12

• Jul 22, 2004

• #12

you may want to check your steering coupler also.