Diagnose rattle - Steering Rack
 

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.

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).