Symptons of a bad steering rack

[87lc2]

Wondering if this is a bad steering rack...There is a squeaking when turning the wheel back and forth(not the pump whining), and the wheel does not turn back to center. If anyone has had these experiences, please chime in if it matter, i replaced the power steering pump about 3 months ago and havent had a problem with it.

 

[Roland69]

strut bearings maby

 

[91fourbanger]

could be balljoints or tirrod ends also. have a friend turn the wheel back and forth making it squeak and lay under the car and find where it is coming from, oh yeah might want to get a friend that you trust. lol

 

[HISSIN50]

It can also be bad ball joints, tie rods or something that's sitting against the steering shaft. Ball joints will squeak when all the grease is gone and they affect caster and camber, which affects return-to-center and Kingpin.

If all else checks out, I like the rack idea.

Good luck.

 

[steadfastcrew]

mine happened to be the inner tie rod bushings that connected to the steering rack. they were worn out and had excessive play in them. changed those and everything is all good now..

 

[87lc2]

Being a GM guy, im not too familiar with the rack and pinion setup, where are the inner tie-rod bushings? It looks to me like there is the rack, and then outer tie rods? Ill go ahead and check the ball joints and tie rods first befor ei go ahead and replace the rack

 

[sunil6784]

Mine's creaking from the inner tie rod ends...I'm changing the rack right now