SANDOVAL

So no one can figure this one out. I had an independent replace a steering rack 6 months back. It has never been the same. I had so much stuff done to the car suspension wise during that time so it is hard to identify what is causing the problem....

The problem: Steering wheel set in the center position going straight...

Now I go into a left turn or good curve...and then return to driving staight the steering wheel does not come back to center. It is still hanging sideways. The alignment is good even though the steering wheel did not return.

Now go into a right curve and the steering wheel comes back to center. Alignment is still good and straight.

Now back into a left turn and it starts all over again. Only left turns/curves... if I go into a right curve from a straight with the steering wheel centered the steering wheel return to the straight when it returns to a straight.


I have spent time on the phone talking to the manufacturer of the Rack and they said it is not a problem that sounds like something the internal rack could be doing. The shop I that did my alignment which other 968 friends recommend could not issolate the problem.

I am hoping someone on the board has gone through this and can shed some light.


thanks for the ideas guys

Matt Sheppard

Sounds to me like a ball joint or tie rod end, but not having experienced this personally before. . .(?)

bump.

tasdevil

I had this problem too, it turn out to be the uni joints in the lower steering shaft.

Robert D

I was going to say the steering shaft joints as well. Hasn't happened to me, but they may not have attached the rack to the shaft correctly, or the joint is worn.

SANDOVAL

Awsome... At least we have some ideas... I have no idea why shops can't give me this kind od guidence! I think I will be giving some money away on this one. What should I expect to pay?Sounds like the rack has to come off again?

SANDOVAL

Tie rod ends were replaced with factory ($180) parts!!! So I know those are good.

SANDOVAL

Tas devil did you do this yourself or did you pay a shop? IF so what was the cost?

John Anderson

One of the problems that should be mentioned is the fact that the alignment is not set right. Someone installed the rack without centering the steering wheel. So, what they did was adjusted the toe by bringing the wheels in and the tie rod on the drivers side is something like 10" from the boot to the ball joint and the passenger side is about 7". I noticed this when driving the car, it felt like it was all the way to lock turning one direction and the other direction had way too many rotations to lock.

Just adding more to the discussion :-)

Take Care

pete944

John's explanation sounds right. There is a dimple in the rack gear and a threaded hole in the front of the rack. You thread a bolt into the hole so it hits the dimple and then the rack is then centered. The alignment should be set from there.

John Anderson

Pete,

Exactly! I place a small ball bearing in the hole, after the rack is centered, then thread a bolt in to hold the rack secure..works perfect every time.

Take Care!

Sam Lin

The rack does have a pair of springs inside it to help provide return centering force - perhaps one is broken?

Sam

Mike Murcia

Maybe they did not tighten down the bolt that connects the u-joint to the pin coming out of the rack. The teeth could be catching when you turn one way, but sliding when you turn the other way. DOes it feel like it is catching a little bit when you return from a left turn?