Steering question
- Thread starter JCClanton
- Start date
If the wheel itself is wobbly, then you need to take off the plastic covers to the steering column, remove the turn signal switch, and you will see to bolts underneath it ( one on the top of the column one on the bottom). tighten them up, or better still, use some loctite and then tighten. Put everything back together and you should be good to go.
two things to check - one is easier and cheaper.
1.: Rag joint has failed. Its a rubber disc that isolates the steering shaft from the rack and pinion. Located at the end of the steering shaft and where it connects to the rack and pinion. Look at it and see if its broken. usually they wear out over time and you get some play in it - the safety locks will allow the car to steer but you will have major play in it. Good news is that you can replace it - go to autozone / advance / car store and go to the "help" section. you will find a generic rag joint. it looks like a 1/4 inch thick rubber disc - kinda like a section of tire with 4 holes on it and comes with assorted bolts and brackets.
Pull the shaft off the car by undoing the safty bolt near the firewall and the bolt that attaches the joint to the rack and pinion. pull the assembly out. I think you have to drill out part of the old mounting stuff - but no worries the new kit has replacement bolts that go in it's place. fairly easy and strait forward. I'm recalling this from memory - but its not too bad - especially in the 2.3 car.
2.: the rack and pinion is shot or going. usually the inner tie rods (part of the rack) or the gear is sloppy. very common in mustangs. you can get the rebuilt rack and pinion for about a hundred bucks. check the outer tie rods - if they are solid then you can re-use them. Jack the front off the ground and see if you got play in the system - mine moved a good inch back and forth. wound up getting the new rack and put it on. you will need an aligment after you do this. Not difficult but will take you a morning or so to replace it.
basic tools - air tools help but not required. Metric sockets a few on the bigger side. open end wrenches to remove the high pressure line from the power steering pump.
Fairly easy to get at everything....
they work fine - you can get the quick ratio or standard rack - they all bolt in the same 5.0 or 2.3. If you go with a manual rack - you will have to re-work your belt system.
Just depends upon if you want to spend the money for them or not. for the 93 mustang i got the one from autozone and worked just fine.
Similar threads
