Steering column/rack question
 

I have noticed that going over expansion joints on the freeway now that my steering column rattles. Grabbing the steering wheel is seeing if there is any play in the wheel demonstrates nothing. So, given that the whole thing is rattles over these bumps now, what do you suspect is loose? This is an '88 Carrera.

Describe exactly what you mean by rattles. Could be bump steer or the steering bushing is worn. Beyond that you get into rack play or potentially wheel bearing issues.


John

Sam, I have the same rattling that seems to be coming from the rack, except I also have left to right play in the steering wheel. Today Chris M. and I took apart my spare steering rack, the pinion and bearings were pitted so I am going to toss them. My guess is that the rattling is coming from a worn rack, so the pinion is moving around loosely, rather than fitting tightly into the steering rack grooves. I will post some pics of the steering rack disassembled so that you get a better idea of what I mean.

Hey Pari. Do you think my rack would be worn after just 67K?

I can't tell you for sure, but I would imagine that driving style and road conditions could contribute to wearing the steering rack down as well. Here are the pictures of my spare steering rack.
This is how the rack looks on the inside, the pinion sits on the rack like so: (the pinion isn't aligned correctly in the pics)
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/6266/Picture4951404.jpg
What I was saying before is that if some of the grooves in the rack are worn, then the pinion won't grip the teeth of the rack tight enough, which could lead to some play and rattling. This is my guess.
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/8853/Picture4951405.jpg
Top of the pinion:
http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/2274/Picture4951406.jpg
Side view of the pinion, the red arrow points out the pitted area:
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/4420/Picture4951403.jpg
Any steering rack experts;) out there know if I can buy a new pinion and bearings, or do I have to buy a rebuilt steering rack?

Anyone rebuilt their steering rack??

The pinion pre-load can be adjusted...maybe its just that.
--Wil Ferch