The steering rack, or "steering gear" as it appears on my receipt, was recently replaced. Since then, the front end seems "light" and loose at high speed (65+ MPH). The power steering feels very easy (overly power assisted) and there seems to be more play in the wheel before the tires respond. An alignment was done following the replacement of the steering rack.

I have owned the car for 9 months and the steering rack had been leaking most of that time so I don't think I have any driving experience prior to the problem. I always made sure to keep the PS fluid at the proper level once I identified the problem.

I really don't like the feel of the car now at high speed as it feels less stable. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Thanks for your help.

Fred

 

Sounds like you need to have the alignment rechecked.

 

Would alignment effect the way the wheel feels "light" at high speed? Almost feels like there is more power assist at high speed and less at low speed - the oposite of what I would expect. The front of the car feels very light.

 

Hi Fred:

Good advice from Tom,.........

I'd have that alignment redone, if I were you. If the caster, camber, or toe-in is off, the car will feel just like you observed and will be equite unsettled at speed.

Excessive camber, too little caster, or wrong toe settings make these cars feel unstable.

 

Thanks guys, appreciate the response!