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How can I tell if steering rack is bad?

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Old 06-19-2011, 02:32 PM
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cisurfer
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Default How can I tell if steering rack is bad?

I have play in my steering I notice alot when driving at highway speeds. I get that bumpsteer feel like the car wants to wander around. I replaced the inner tie rods the bumpsteer ends and the steering shaft with a mps autosalvage one and they all look in good shape. I also installed a Upr k and arms recently but I don't think balljoints would do this. Also with the car off if I shake the wheel back and forth it makes a knocking type of sound like something was loose. I also have poly bushings on the rack. Any ideas how I can narrow it down more than I did? I don't wanna dump 300 into a rack and still have the problem
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Old 06-19-2011, 03:55 PM
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Blackvenom01
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when steering onto an onramp at higher speeds does the car have the bumpsteer feeling like the wheels is going back and forth

have someone steer the car while your underneath to listen to find the knock it makes

it could easily be your balljoint if there loose and popping back and forth

i would do the cheap stuff first check all the bushing everything make sure there all good have someone steer it and looks and listen... jack the car off the ground turn the key to on but dont start then try to run your wheels by hand and narrow down to a loose spot
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Old 06-19-2011, 05:06 PM
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cisurfer
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I did that and I can't find the sound. The bushings are brand new along with everything else and ball joint
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Old 06-20-2011, 04:39 PM
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I jacked up the front and if I shake the wheels in/out (hand on 3/9 o'clock and shake) there's a small amount of play and banging/knocking sound. Up and down play wasn't noticeable. It's not the tie rods or bumpsteer kit they're new. Steering shaft also responds instantly with steering wheel on the sleeve part. So I'm think maybe rack or balljoints but idk If it would be since they're brand new With these symptoms
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Old 06-20-2011, 05:50 PM
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if it was balljoints you would have up/down play. I would say its either hubs or inner/outer tie rods.
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Old 06-20-2011, 06:04 PM
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The inner rods and bumpsteer ends are new...
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