Frank@Work

I have recently replaced my power steering rack with a manual steering rack. I have driven approx. 1000 miles without any problems. Last weekend, while parking the car I had to turn the steer all the way to the left. The last inch of the turn felt very loose. After that my steering feels very heavy and will not come back to the center position.

What can cause this?

I have checked the steering rack and put more grease on it.

Where should I look first? The needle bearing in the steering column? The tie-rod ends?

Thanks in advance!

Sami951

Wheel alignment? Has it been checked / set lately?

Frank@Work

It has not been checked, but how do you explain the sudden heavy steering. I have driven at least 1000 miles without any problems.

Sami951

Well, actually I can't explain it ... sort-of misread your original post - sorry. Anyway, if it's not centering, there's probably something wrong with the caster angle and/or toe-in ...

shortyboy

could be tie-rod ends or inner ball-joint

eclou

Maybe binding in the steering knuckle?

rage2

Since your steering is off, it means one of the wheels is now misaligned. Toe in gives heavy steering, toe out gives light steering. Set your steering wheel straight, and check to see which wheel isn't straight. That's your culprit... so find out how it got loose.

Frank@Work

Thanks for the suggestions!

Tonight I disconected the tie-rod ends and the steering is still heavy! Way too heavy. I suppose that leaves me with two options:

1. Rebuild the steering rack
2. Replace the needle bearing in the steering column.

SamGrant951

weak arms

Frank@Work

Please elaborate. I am not sure if I understand what you exactly mean.

Hans

Frank, I think Sam strongly suggests you should get used to a frequently and regular scheduled visit, say 2/week, to the gym and present a very active contribution to the increase of the moisture content inside the building.

Don't think it is the needle bearings, am afraid the rack requires some thorough attention.
TakeCare

Frank@Work

Ah, I did understand it correctly! But what Sam forgets is that the heavy steering wasn't there the first 1000 miles!

I will try to rebuild the steering rack!

Thanks.

J Chen

Hi Frank,
How's the steering effort like before & after
the conversion ? Is the rack from a 944 ?
Lastly, what tire width are you running at the
front ?

Thanks

Frank@Work

I have used a rack from a '83 944. The steering feels very good while driving, but is a little hard while parking. At the moment I am using 205 tires but I have to find out if they give me enough grip.

If I can get the rack working well again I don't think I will ever want to go back to a power steering rack.

will951

hehehehe.....

I needed a laugh....work is really slow today. Thanks!