Steering (possibly suspension) Question

M

MarkF

New Member

Sep 7, 2011

3

0

2

Sep 9, 2011

#1

• Sep 9, 2011

• #1

I just picked up a 2000 GT Convt with 80,000 miles. Looks like the struts are stock. I just replaced the tires.

The issue is that I noticed when driving that there is a dead zone of about 1 inch in each direction of the steering wheel. Meaning I can move the wheel back and forth with out causing any directional change while driving. Additionally, on the road if I'm holding the wheel very lightly I feel feedback as well, much different than any of my other cars.

Any thoughts?

 

Lugnuts

Member

May 11, 2011

128

0

16

Evans, GA

Sep 9, 2011

#2

• Sep 9, 2011

• #2

I would check the rack and the tie rods for play.

 

trinity_gt

10 Year Member

Jan 31, 2003

3,125

81

99

Canada

Sep 9, 2011

#3

• Sep 9, 2011

• #3

1) Check the "rag joint", a flexible coupling in the steering shaft near the steering rack.
2) Check the steering rack bushings.
3) Check the inner and outer tie rod joints.

 

txredgt

10 Year Member

Oct 26, 2009

1,343

33

69

Sep 9, 2011

#4

• Sep 9, 2011

• #4

trinity_gt said:

1) Check the "rag joint", a flexible coupling in the steering shaft near the steering rack.
2) Check the steering rack bushings.
3) Check the inner and outer tie rod joints.

Click to expand...

+1

Mine was the rack bushings that I changed out when I lowered and had to get the car realigned.

 

trinity_gt

10 Year Member

Jan 31, 2003

3,125

81

99

Canada

Sep 9, 2011

#5

• Sep 9, 2011

• #5

Weird...DP...

 

Maxpowers

Member

Sep 9, 2009

859

2

19

Pittsburgh, Pa

Sep 9, 2011

#6

• Sep 9, 2011

• #6

Not sure who, but someone on her posted this video:
2002 Mustang GT steering rack bushings - YouTube

I would start by having someone look under the car while you turn the wheel.

Shocks are not rated for that time frame. I replaced mine around 68k, and I found they were a replacement shock. So with less than 70k, my car has needed them changed twice.