Steering not smooth

[Roby466]

Hi guys,
I tried searching but no luck. My steering is kind of hard to turn. It feels like it is not smooth and I can hear it as I turn. It seems to come from box as I can feel the tie rods kind of vibrate when I turn (it is hard to describe). It seems like there is an excessive amount of friction in the rack. Is this something that is possible?
The car is a 1985 930 with almost 60k miles on the clock. I have ER front bushings.
Thanks for the help
David

[Joe Bob]

Does the wheel wobble up and down? Steering wheel bushing, easy fix.

[szyzygy]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

Does the wheel wobble up and down? Steering wheel bushing, easy fix.

I would recommend Mitch Leland's bushing as a replacement if that is indeed what your problem is. Search for his name on here and you will find additional info.

[john walker's workshop]

i just pulled a rack out today that was stiff with some extra freeplay and it was full of rusty water.

[Roby466]

That's what I am scared of... The steering column bushing is nice and tight, it kind of looks like the rack... Is there any way to lubricate it?
Thanks
David

[Ferrino]

Originally Posted by Roby466

Is there any way to lubricate it?

Yes, see here for an excellent guide, including replacement of bearings if you want to go the whole hog. This will require pulling the rack though.

[Roby466]

Thanks, I will have to it that on my list

[Chuck.H]

Before you take too much apart, try this simple test - disconnect the upper steering u-joint, the one just after the steering wheel shaft. Now spin the wheel and see if it's smooth. I was SURE I had a bad steering rack but my problem turned out to be a bad lower steering column bearing (bad like almost seized).

I found a way to R&R the steering column bearings without removing the column, using some bushings and pullers.

HTH,
Chuck.H
'89 TurboLookTarga, 360k miles

[wswilburn]

There are needle bearings at the top of the steering box and in the rubber sleeve in the linkage that wear out.