The Rack

[uptomyearsinit]

Good evening Ladies and Gentlemen. Have any of you had the displeasure of hearing a popping sound when you turn your steering wheel at a stop? The noise seems to be eminating from the the rack and pinion. Through the steering wheel, it almost feels as if something is binding. I have examined the universal at the firewall end of the steering column and it does not appear to be worn. If I grasp the steering column between this universal and the steering gear, I can shake it slightly. Is that normal? Does the joint between the universal and the steering gear allow for some "slop"? I suppose that this might explain why I am able to shake it. However I do not know for sure. All mounting bolts for the rack and pinion are tight. When the wheel is turned and the column is viewed from the top, the rack does not appear to shake or move. Nonetheless the cause of the noise can be felt through the wheel. Is this my steering gear going out? If so, can the steering gear be rebuilt seperately from the rest of the rack. The cylinder is not leaking, however the tie rod end boots need to be replaced. Have any of you replaced the rack and pinion? Any suggestions on what might be causing this particular noise? Any advice on replacement, as far as tricks or special tooling for replacing the rack, is much appreciated
Thanks in advance!

 

[compyelc4]

Don't know if the systems are the same but I had that noise in my '95. It popped only when stopped. I guess this put more strain on the parts than when under power. Turned out to be a couple of nuts that needed torqueing a little on the rag joint. Easy to get to on mine.

 

[uptomyearsinit]

Thank you, I will try that. What is the RAG joint and would you mind explaining where is was located on your car?
Thanks.

 

[JonM]

On an 84 you do not have a rag joint...the most likely problem is the rubber bushing you have is worn.

Go join this site... http://www.crossfire.homeip.net:81 ...go into the forums and look up "UNKNOWN PROBLEMS" the look for "Cold Weather "SLIP" in Stearing Wheel" Its a common problem with 84's. They were talking about it yesterday so its on the first page.

 

[compyelc4]

JonM-

Thanks for the info. I'm glad I didn't "steer" 'uptomyearsinit' in the wrong direction.

 

[vettin1]

had SAME# prob in my 85. found that 4 out of i think the 6 bolts that hold rack and pinion in were broken. it only happened when i turned the wheel one way and it was LOUD! Bushings could be worn but that was what happened to me

 

[RedRagTop]

Mine does it and I think the rack is toast. Do a search at the top and you will find several threads on this subject...