Steering problem

[Bruce M]

Help / Advice
Symptoms described below, binding feeling in wheel while turning. All components check out OK. I think that I have a problem in the Rack & Pinion. Again never went too far into steering, done LCA’s, Tie rods, Brakes, and everything from motor swaps to 60K services to troubleshooting nearly all problems these beasts have. Not afraid to do anything, this looks scary in terms of time and equipment

Looked in the OEM Ford Factory Service Manual for 93 SHO regarding a rack swap out. They say I need to drop the cats & sub frame! ****, I can’t really see any other way! Might as well pull the motor!

Questions
1) Anyone done a Rack & Pinion Swap out.
2) Any tips
3) Do you have to drop the sub frame, is there a reasonable way around it.

Thanks




Has anyone gone into the steering assembly on these cars, I haven’t had to so I never did. Always brought to a shop for front end work, never liked it. Symptoms are there is like a tight spot slightly off center as I turn the wheel, either left or right, almost as if it were binding up and then freeing up. Checked outer tie rods and both sides were very sloppy so I replaced them, got a bit better. Both ball joints are OK, I checked them and had another guy check them out. This “binding” or tight spot that I’m trying to describe is only there when the front end is on the ground and under normal weight. On the lift everything seems OK. Are there inner tie rods or linkage inside that boot going to the steering box? All frame bushings are OK.

Thanks

 

[93rev2sev]

I have the same problem with my silver 93. I HAD the same problem with my black 93. I replaced the rack and hoses in the black93 and that solved it.

I'll be doing the same to the silver one soon enough. After a few minutes of driving, that sticky valve clears up and on center feel is restored. I guess that's an indication that it's in the early stages.

 

[Hank F.]

You are describing my car, too. Everything I have read here would seem to indicate a rack change, as you have said about your car. I, also, put on new outer tie rod ends and flushed the PS, and it made it better, but not all the way right. Looks like rack change for me. ****, the car got 190,000 from the first one, so that is a fair price to keep it on the road. Plus, I'll do the sub frame bolts and motor mounts at the same time. This is too much fun to donate to the mission, and most work I do shows results immediately. And, knock on wood, I haven't been pulled over for ANY reason in this car since I got it, so the stealth factor cannot be ignored. The look on a ricer face when he gets dusted on the Coast hiway is priceless.

 

[AREA 91]

It's only a matter of time till you start racking up tickets in your SHO. Your problem does seem rack related, however, I would also check the upper strut mounts and bearings as well.

 

[Bruce M]

Yeah I’m thinking that I’m pulling the rack and pinion out, be the first one for me, and ever do one? any time saving tips? I have a lift. I wonder if hitting the on and off ramps up here in Mass. at 100 mph + helped loosen up my front end?

 

[ohfosho]

there has also been instances of one of the steering shaft connections loosening up. if i remember correctly it is in the steering column connection to the rack. its like 2 pipes, with a crease in them so one doesnt turn with out the other. the larger pipe had enlarged, which allowed slack between the two. i have seen pictures also i believe.

 

[SHOCH]

Its so the steering column doesn't go through your chest in a head on, I know people who have welded this.

 

[Bruce M]

any takers