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Steering Questions...

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jnicho
  • Start date Start date Feb 14, 2013

Jnicho

New Member
Feb 7, 2013
12
1
3
Kansas City, Missouri
Feb 14, 2013
#1
  • Feb 14, 2013
  • #1
I just purchased a 98 GT Vert last week. Good car but has a few minor issues. Only 80K miles on it. My first question is about steering. There is a little shimmy and play in the front end. I just put tires on it so I’m sure they are balanced well. I got under the car last night expecting to find tie rod ends in need of replacement. They are not in great shape but do not have any obvious play. Pulling around on various things it appears as if the play is in the rack and pinion unit. Is this a common issue with these cars? I’ve rebuilt engines etc, so I feel my skills are more than adequate to tackle replacing the unit this weekend. I’ve researched it and it appears pretty straight forward. Someone suggested it sounded like the steering shaft u-joints. Anyone have any thoughts/experience they would like to share on this before I dive in headfirst.
 

FoxRod87

Active Member
Feb 1, 2006
243
1
27
Carolina
Feb 16, 2013
#2
  • Feb 16, 2013
  • #2
Does it walk the road like when u hit a groove in the road?
 

Jnicho

New Member
Feb 7, 2013
12
1
3
Kansas City, Missouri
Feb 17, 2013
#3
  • Feb 17, 2013
  • #3
FoxRod87 said:
Does it walk the road like when u hit a groove in the road?
Click to expand...

Yes it does sometimes.

I got under the car yesterday and found it is the rack & pinion bushings. I can very clearly see the rack moving and even makes a clunking noise if the wheel is "wiggled" back and forth quickly. Off to find some poly bushings and get this fixed.
 

Bullitt347

I have been doing it wrong this whole time
15 Year Member
Mar 23, 2007
3,944
2,898
194
Middle of Maine
Feb 17, 2013
#4
  • Feb 17, 2013
  • #4
Have sub-frame connectors installed...........you will be amazed at how much more stable the car gets.........especially a convertible.
 

FoxRod87

Active Member
Feb 1, 2006
243
1
27
Carolina
Feb 17, 2013
#5
  • Feb 17, 2013
  • #5
Could be the ball joints too!
 

Jhussey1280

Member
Jan 31, 2012
185
4
19
New Pal, Indiana
Feb 18, 2013
#6
  • Feb 18, 2013
  • #6
Could be ball joints, tie rod ends or the rack itself could be failing. My rack and pinion went out on my 98 GT vert, but it was a super easy fix. It's not hard at all to change, just remember to bleed the hydralic lines when you're done.

Oh and subframe connectors are a GREAT thing on a vert. Fun test, jack up the car from the front or rear, and try to open the doors, they wont. Put subframe connectors on then and do it again, surprise! hehe. I'm not sure it's supposed to happen like that, but it did on my car lol.
 
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