Steering rack problems or subframe bushings?

[Blast7]

Here is the problem that I am having. I cut and pasted it from my thread in the engine and driveline because orginally I thought it was just the cv joints.

Ok, I've got some interesting news. After all of this great info you guys post I don't think my cv joint is bad. Today, for the first time, when turning I felt and heard a rubbing/clanking noise coming from both sides of the engine. When I am sitting still and turn my wheel right I hear this wretched rubbing/squeaking sound coming from the right side of the front suspension. I am going to open my hood and check for movement in the engine when I turn the wheel, tomorrow, to see if my assumption is correct. Any other tests I can do to properly determine this problem?
EDIT: I just thought of one other thing. Very rarely, I will go to make a right hand turn and it is as if the steering wheel turns maybe half a turn that abruptly stops. It won't go any further. After this turn it doesn't happen again until maybe 2 weeks down the line.

 

[sdpatt]

Check out these earlier posts to see if that is what you are hearing.

Popping noise from front wheels in cold weather
Steering Sound
Noise coming from wheel

The resistence or kickback in the steering feel is most likely caused by leaking seals in the steering rack. The remanufactured racks for our '91s are quite cheap, but the effort to install them is not. The A1 Cardone 22-214 rack is less than $70 from O'Reilly Auto Parts.

 

[Blast7]

Thanks Scott. Based on those posts I think the screeching/grinding sound is coming from the strut mounts but I do have one question on checking them. Based on this info from one of the posts:
if you can have someone turn the wheel and put your hand on the top of the strut mount(after you remove the plastic cover)if the mounts are going bad you'll feel it don't forget to get about the struts while your there and it will need an alignment after you do them if the plates have been drilled

Are we talking about putting my hand on the strut mount from under the hood. I guess I am a little confused because I have never done anything with the strut mounts. As far as the steering rack goes I think I will do a search and check out some info on installing it. I would hate to see what the labor costs are. eek!

 

[Blast7]

I am going to add one more thing I've noticed and didn't post in hopes that my problem isn't my rack. My SHO has a loud groaning in the power steering system when I turn my wheels. I have become so accustomed to this that I didn't even realize it was still evident until all this talk came about. Is it possible that I may need just a new pump and fresh fluid?

 

[Mike Kopstain]

There is also a bearing above the mount that can sieze and make the exact sound you are describing. It would be a lot easier to fix than a steering rack too.

 

[Blast7]

Sorry for the above post but ex nay on the groaning sound. It is no longer present but back to the rack. I really don't want to have to replace the rack and the sticking happens so rarely that I'm hoping it may be something else. Is there a good way to check the bearing?

 

[SHO--ripper]

My car has that groaning sound and the wheel has stuck on me before. I think it may be time for both of us to replace our racks. I think my car might have a regular taurus rack because the guy i bought it from put a new rack in right before i bought it.

 

[projectSHO89]

SHO--ripper:
My car has that groaning sound and the wheel has stuck on me before. I think it may be time for both of us to replace our racks. I think my car might have a regular taurus rack because the guy i bought it from put a new rack in right before i bought it.

See my post in the other thread in which you mentioned this.

Boys, if your steering has frozen on you previously, quit screwing around and replace the rack. Failure to do so now could result in its failure at a very inopportune time, like taking a curve at 60 mph. Those results will be disastrous.

Steve

<small>[ June 23, 2003, 08:37 AM: Message edited by: projectSHO89 ]</small>