Power Steering Rack Clunk

[Lupo]

Seems like I have a clunk in my rack, and I just installed new tie-rod ends, so I know it's not them. Also the 2 bolts for the rack are torqued down securely.I can grab the tie-rod and feel a little play. I have 2 questions for those that might be able to answer...

Has this happened to anyone else?

and.. How hard is it to do the rack without removing the subframe?

BTW this is on a 94 with VAPS.

Thanks!

 

[Ishodu]

Inner tie rods? You can get the rack out by just lowering the back of the sub frame IIRC.

 

[SHO SPD]

So you replaced the inners? Seems like inners. If you have play theres something wrong, Bearings or tie rods. I wouldnt think its the rack.

 

[Lupo]

I replaced the outer tie rods (the ones that go to the spindle).
How hard is it to replace the inners, and do they go bad after a while?

 

[SHO SPD]

Yes inners go bad just like the outers. They are generally pretty easy to replace. You need to take the outer tie rod off, remove the clamps holding the dust boot on the inner tie rod( break them if you must) There is probably an allen screw or a couple of them in the inner tie rod "nut" I guess you can say. remove those, they may be hard to see, but they are there to keep the tie rod from loosening at the threads. Then you can unscrew the tie rod with a big pair of plyers, vise grips, or the actual tool they make. Then use some red loctite on the new threads, screw it on, install the retainers if the new one came with them. Put the dust boot on, useing zip ties to secure the boot is ok. Then install the outer tie rod, and get your SHO aligned. Good luck, I think that covers it.

 

[Lupo]

Sweet, thanks!
Any advice on where to get the inner tie rods besides Ford?

 

[SHO SPD]

I would just go to Napa. Car quest is ok. Auto Zone.

 

[Lupo]

Yes inners go bad just like the outers. They are generally pretty easy to replace. You need to take the outer tie rod off, remove the clamps holding the dust boot on the inner tie rod( break them if you must) There is probably an allen screw or a couple of them in the inner tie rod "nut" I guess you can say. remove those, they may be hard to see, but they are there to keep the tie rod from loosening at the threads. Then you can unscrew the tie rod with a big pair of plyers, vise grips, or the actual tool they make. Then use some red loctite on the new threads, screw it on, install the retainers if the new one came with them. Put the dust boot on, useing zip ties to secure the boot is ok. Then install the outer tie rod, and get your SHO aligned. Good luck, I think that covers it.

Well I checked out the rack and subframe I have sitting around for parts (from another 94MTX). I see the little "allen" screws, but I don't see how to get them off. They are concave inside, so an allen wrench won't do, as well as anything else. I also see a roll pin as well.
Once you get these of, how hard is it to loosen the "nut" once you get these "allen" screws and roll pin out of the way?

Thanks!

 

[fastsho92]

Yeah I think I have the same problem as you.. I can hear some kind of weid noise like a creking when I turn the wheel. I can also feel it in the steering wheel. I thought it was my outer tie rods so I replaced them today.. That helped out alot, but I can still here the creaking. Does this also sound like inner tie rods?

 

[SHO SPD]

Thats strange they are concave. Im not too sure how to get them out at that point, I dont think I have delt with that type. Mine have all came out with an allen wrench. Once you get them out the nut is pretty easy to undo, Its not any more difficult than any other nut. I wish I had an answer about those concave screws. If you remove the tie rod with those in there the threads will be screwed up, so you dont want to do that.

Also, I dont think that the inners would creak. probably something else. check to see if there is loosness at the wheels when you have them in the air, and shake from side to side.

 

[Lupo]

Yea, those little screws (2 per side) are not removable that I can see.
My rack also has roll pins (1 per side) have you seen those?
Do you think those screws are simply for a reference, and it is really held in by the the roll pin? hmmm... I'll have to check out other racks in the junkyard.
Maybe I need to get a picture.

 

[Ishodu]

Yes a pic would help. I have seen the aftermarket ones come with a roll pin or a cotter pin. The stock inner tie rods I have see all use a aluminum rivet. You just need to pry that out and un screw the inner tie rod off of the shaft.

 

[SHO SPD]

The aluminum rivet looks something like this

This is typical on a ford, in the picture thats just a screw, the rivet is a little smaller, and has more of a rounded top to the head, but thats the color, and close to the size. Thats what you pry out. There shoud be a way to remove those damn things.

 

[SHOtimer]

You will want to use the Moog inner tie rods, they are a bit higher quality. Also, once you pry the rivet out of the inner tie rod you will need to use a special tool that goes around the inner tie rod to get it off. You can rent the tool at AZ it is a huge socket that fits over the inner tie rod.

Also, once you replace these (if they are original) you will notice a huge difference in steering feel.

Doug

 

[fastsho92]

I don't mean to steal this thread or anything, but It is kinda on the same subject. So just to replie to what (SHO SPD) said. I know it is something with the steering. The fluid is good, I was also thinking maybe there is a air bubble inside the rack?? Im not sure if this would make a creaking sound or not. But it has to be comming from the steering. There is also a dead spot in the wheel. So what does this sound like??
-Mike

 

[SHO SPD]

I don't mean to steal this thread or anything, but It is kinda on the same subject. So just to replie to what (SHO SPD) said. I know it is something with the steering. The fluid is good, I was also thinking maybe there is a air bubble inside the rack?? Im not sure if this would make a creaking sound or not. But it has to be comming from the steering. There is also a dead spot in the wheel. So what does this sound like??
-Mike

Sounds like a possible rack problem. I dont think its the VAPS, but try unplugging it and see if the noise is still there, and also the dead spot. But I would bet on the rack.

 

[fastsho92]

damn that sucks.. But It still feels machanical, so Im probably just gona try to do the inner tie rods, just to make sure.. And then go from there, and see what happens.

 

[SHO SPD]

Could also be your bearing plates on your struts. Depends on where your hearing the noise. And if its the rack it is mechanical.

 

[SeanMc]

Hey Brian, I seem to have this creeking noise as well. But it's most prominant when I turn the wheel first thing in the morning. Is it dangerous to keep driving like this?

Thanks.

 

[fastsho92]

My alingment is also very bad, so Im going to get that done to just to see how it clears out. Im sure that will help out.
-Mike