Sloppy steering rack

[w.shaw]

I have about 1/4" of play in the steering rack of my '84S. With the front end up and the wheel off, I move the wheel back & forth, and can see the tie rod move about 1/4" without the steering wheel moving. This seems a little sloppy. Is this something that can be adjusted, or is the fix a new steering rack?

Thanks,

Bill

[SShaw]

Funny, mine has the same problem, let me know the fix.

[Joe Ricard]

Well I have gotten accostomed to it over the 12 years of ownership. Everything has been replaced from Tie rod ends to upper and lower ball joints Wheel bearings. Rack don't leak yet So I will leave it alone and enjoy the ride. Don't believe the slcak can be taken up unless you rebuild the rack. What I believe we are seeing is backlash in the pinion gear to rack. Internal shimming required.

[gmaltz]

Check your tie rods! They somtimes get loose before the rack and are cheap to replace. About 55 bucks per side and pretty easy to pull out and replace. That sounds like too much play for my comfort.

[w.shaw]

Yes, a bit too sloppy for my comfort also. Leaking fluid, too. I bought a new rack & tie rods. It should be better when I get the new parts in.

Bill

[coupe]

The play on the steering on my 951 was due to the tie rods.. Replaced the complete tie-rod, and now the steering is very precise.

I have also replaced the steering rack, and the play was still there, so the tie-rods,control arms, bearings followed along with all the sway bar bushes..

[w.shaw]

We put in the new rack and tie rods this weekend. The left inner tie rod was obviously bad, and could easily be seen when the rack boot was pulled back. That was my slop.

Thanks to all who replied.

Bill

[tbdad]

Don't forget to also check the steering rack bushings!