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After I turn left, going straight the steering wheel is a little off to the left.
After I turn right, going straight the steering wheel is a little off to the right.
There's about an inch of turning play in any position, always.
Does this sound familiar to anyone?
(FYI I put in a rebuilt manual rack, had a pro alignment done where front end was deemed in good condition, and though I've noticed a little play for years, it has gotten worse and the "crooked to one side after a turn" thing is fairly new)
...(FYI I put in a rebuilt manual rack, had a pro alignment done where front end was deemed in good condition, and though I've noticed a little play for years, it has gotten worse and the "crooked to one side after a turn" thing is fairly new)
When they rebuilt your manual rack did they measure and set the end stops like stated in the manual. If they didn’t that would cause this issue 4 sure.
If it was play from wear you’d feel it regardless the wheel position and the steering would feel somewhat vague.
Hmm.. the bit of play has been there for a long time, including the PS rack I had until recently installing the manual rack. Let's assume the manual rack was rebuilt properly: would a manual rack exaggerate some wear over a PS rack?
What are the 'end stops'? Could I easily measure this?
Not sure if this is the issue but the manual racks have a tensioning screw which, if too loose results in play, and if too tight results in excessive friction. Lift one side and crawl under. There are write ups about this.
...What are the 'end stops'? Could I easily measure this?
The end stops are item 12, They are rubber coated metal bushes which stop the rack traveling too far in either direction. I’ve seen them missing.
The adjustment bolt in the pinion that another poster mentioned is simply to adjust the backlash for wear between the rack and the pinion, all it really does is push the rack closer or further away from the pinion. It would make the rack harder or easier to turn but it has nothing to do with how far the rack travels which is the problem I think you are having.
The end stops are item 12, They are rubber coated metal bushes which stop the rack traveling too far in either direction. I’ve seen them missing.
The adjustment bolt in the pinion that another poster mentioned is simply to adjust the backlash for wear between the rack and the pinion, all it really does is push the rack closer or further away from the pinion. It would make the rack harder or easier to turn but it has nothing to do with how far the rack travels which is the problem I think you are having.
This is very interesting. I've saved the diagrams thanks
I had the same symptoms when the rubber in my tie rods was giving it up ('83 N/A).
Coming out of turn 6 at Laguna, found the wheel suddenly cocked off to one side coming up that straight.
It was a little distressing...
Looks like the bushings are indeed either wrong or I installed them on opposite ends (didn't realize they may be different L & R)... [EDIT: I don't think it's possible to install opposite sides; they are shaped quite differently]
If I installed them opposite ends [EDIT: highly unlikely], it would appear I put the larger one on the right (passenger) side. Therefore, wouldn't the driver's one be extra tight and therefore limiting movement (looks like the driver's one is only responsible for that)?
Or.. if they are both the wrong size--odd, since they came from the same place that supplied the manual rack--I'll have to order new (manual rack) ones.
Either way, I have to take them off, which is fine, but... this will mess up my alignment (toe), correct?
Last edited by Dan Martinic; 08-23-2020 at 12:05 PM.
Either way, I have to take them off, which is fine, but... this will mess up my alignment (toe), correct?
That is truly great footage and very interesting. Thanks for posting with the follow up. As for the alignment, you shouldn't have to take anything off except for the bushing support brackets. When you have those off, the rack should be able to maneuver off the rubber bushings. No change in alignment.
Nope. Other than a kinda odd steering feel (never seems to return to straight in a confident way; wheel a little off L or R depending on last turn), there were no other symptoms. Oh.. does seem like it takes more revolution to make a short turn than I thought it should be.
Well.. looking at my old PS bushings plus new manual ones online, clearly each end is differently shaped; I doubt I installed them incorrectly. My passenger one is the correct "round" hole (can't see the driver's side). I guess they are the wrong ones then.
Anyone know what the inside diameter should be for manual rack bushings? Before ordering (and waiting for) new ones, I'd like to confirm mine are incorrect
Passenger side currently installed (new bushing MEYLE printed on side out-of-view with part number showing)
08-19-2020, 07:18 PM
Steering: pick a side!
