New Rack?

[darthcual]

This week i noticed a knocking noise coming from the right front tire and now i am having a popping noise/feel from my steering wheel from tdc to the right or left. Am i right thinking this is my rack and pinion? And if so is a parts store rebuilt the way to go. Thanks for the help fellas.

 

[HISSIN50]

I would want to do further diagnosis before plunking down cash for a rack.

i would check the entire front suspension, specifically the tie rods, ball joints and rag joints (if only in the steering). But a once over should be done on everything. you dont want to have something let go on you while driving.
More specific info might help to pinpoint things, but getting under and checking stuff out is the only way to know.

good luck.

 

[MrKwik]

I would want to do further diagnosis before plunking down cash for a rack.

i would check the entire front suspension, specifically the tie rods, ball joints and rag joints (if only in the steering). But a once over should be done on everything. you dont want to have something let go on you while driving.
More specific info might help to pinpoint things, but getting under and checking stuff out is the only way to know.

good luck.

Exactly. I would investigate the tie rod ends and ball joints befor I would condemn the rack.

 

[darthcual]

Ok then how do i know if my tie rods are bad? Thank you for answering i think this is the first post where anyone has replied.*feels loved*Oh also the steering has been sloppy since the day i bought her.

 

[MrKwik]

Jack it up so that the wheels are off the ground and wiggle the wheel back and forth, watch what the ball joints are doing. Grab em and see if you can feel any play anywhere. Put a jack under the a arm and get a little pry bar and see if there is play in the ball joint when you pry up on the spindle. Have somebody turn the wheel a little bit while you watch the rag joint. Anything that has play should be replaced.

 

[darthcual]

Ok I replaced the tie rod ends (pretty easy task) unfortunately it did not fix the problem. One more thing to add, when the ignition is in the on position but car is not running the popping noise still occurs. it sounds like it is in the steering column is this the intermediate shaft? If so do I replace this whole piece or just the u-joints like in a driveshaft? Thanks again for your assistance.

 

[darthcual]

bumpy

 

[PuterAmI]

Ok I replaced the tie rod ends (pretty easy task)

Both inner and outer?

I would grab a helper. While you make the steering pop, have them find the definitive place that it is coming from.

 

[darthcual]

Good Idea thats what i had planned next. Just replaced the outter tie rod ends I've been told to replace the inners might as well get new rack. Thanks for the ideas.

 

[HISSIN50]

regardless of what you do, i would be sure to get an alignment since you replaced the outters.

good luck.

 

[rd]

You also might want to inspect the rag joint, the vibration isolation joint assembly where the steering shaft couples to the rack. If the isolation disc gets work or broken, you will get a lot of play in the steering.