variable assist power steering???

[bzsvt]

So i keep reading about this variable assist steering stuff...how can i tell if my car has this? Also what are the symptoms if any if the assist isnt working? The car is more or less a handful anything above 50 or so. I have replaced the outer tie rod ends and and ball joints and it didnt seem to change anything. Dont know what else to do besided put in a new rack, btw its not a allignment issue either, it almost feels like there is alot of side to side slop at higher speeds. Any input would be appreciated thanks!!!

 

[the4biddendonut]

Inner tie rods, or strut rod failure?

 

[bzsvt]

Ok so i found the problem.....so i was under the car today and i grabbed the tie rod end and moved it back and forth, and in doing that i was hearing a clunking sound. Apon further investigation i saw that the whole steering rack was moving. HOW DOES THIS HAPPEN?????? I can only imagine that someone was under the car some time ago and messing around under there and forgot to tighten everything up.

 

[kevinspann]

Steering rack nuts should be torqued to 85-100 lb/ft IIRC