Markus
SHO Member
I am in the process of rejuvenating the front end of my 95 ATX. I have a little play in the steering that does not appear to be steering column related. I will be replacing just about everything steering relatated with the exception of the rack. This includes:
inner and outer tie rod ends
sway bar end links and bushings
lower control arms
strut rod bushings
subframe mounts
engine/transmission mounts
I have just flushed the PS fluid after almost 9 years of use. (I know ... shame on me!). The steering feels a lot more connected to the road now.
I have approx 179,000km (~112,000 miles) on the car. The car was driven hard for the first 60,000 km (~37,000 miles) and quite conservatively thereafter. I replaced an outer tie rod end 4 years ago, a lower control arm 2 years ago, and, under warranty, both sway bar end links 7 years ago. The new links were the Ford plastic links. Springs and struts and their mounts and bearings were replaced 2 years ago. Both front wheel hubs and bearings were replaced 2 years ago. I have a clunking in the front end when driving slowly over uneven pavement, and I believe this to be sway bar related.
And, finally, my questions:
1) What are the odds that the play in the steering system will be eliminated without replacing the rack?
2) How durable are the VAPS racks? At what mileage do these racks typically need to be replaced?
<small>[ March 27, 2004, 02:03 AM: Message edited by: Markus ]</small>
inner and outer tie rod ends
sway bar end links and bushings
lower control arms
strut rod bushings
subframe mounts
engine/transmission mounts
I have just flushed the PS fluid after almost 9 years of use. (I know ... shame on me!). The steering feels a lot more connected to the road now.
I have approx 179,000km (~112,000 miles) on the car. The car was driven hard for the first 60,000 km (~37,000 miles) and quite conservatively thereafter. I replaced an outer tie rod end 4 years ago, a lower control arm 2 years ago, and, under warranty, both sway bar end links 7 years ago. The new links were the Ford plastic links. Springs and struts and their mounts and bearings were replaced 2 years ago. Both front wheel hubs and bearings were replaced 2 years ago. I have a clunking in the front end when driving slowly over uneven pavement, and I believe this to be sway bar related.
And, finally, my questions:
1) What are the odds that the play in the steering system will be eliminated without replacing the rack?
2) How durable are the VAPS racks? At what mileage do these racks typically need to be replaced?
<small>[ March 27, 2004, 02:03 AM: Message edited by: Markus ]</small>
