Diagnose rattle - Steering Rack

[Dan J.]

Hi,

I have an '86 Carrera coupe with 178k miles. Recent new Koni struts, sway bar bushings, turbo tie rods, rack spacers alignment & balancing. Front wheel bearings recently repacked.

I'm looking for help on diagnosing a rattle that started just recently. There is a very slight metal-to-metal sounding rattle every now and then coming from the front suspension. I can hear it when going over a sharp bump or pothole.

I suspect the steering rack, but only because that's the only thing I can think of, and my records don't show that the rack has ever been replaced. There is a fair amount of play, maybe 2" at the steering wheel on-center in the steering. I may be off base here, but I don't think it is the t-bar bushings, as they are not visibly worn.

If the rack is suspect, is it a matter of just getting a new/rebuilt rack? In searching threads it sounds as though people clean and regrease them. I have never done this, although I'd be suprised if that would cure this kind of symptom...

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

Dan J.

[450knotOffice]

If you've got 2" of play on center than I'd concur that your rack is the culprit. I have zero play on center. If I move the wheel even a fraction of an inch, I get some wheel/tire movement.

It sounds like you need a rebuild of the rack (or a replacement).