My future son-inlaw got sideswiped on the L/F by the parking light. It knocked the bumper off and pulled the left side shaft right out of the rack and pinion. I have the rack unbolted and need to know which side will it come out? and how to get it out? Do I have to loosen the Sub frame? Im a retired MACK TRUCK TECH, not a beginner. Help would be greatly appreciated.

 

The manual states it should slide out the passengers side of the car. Read nothing on having to remove the subframe. It does state the stabililzer bar bushing bolts need to be removed.

 

Thanks! Ill give that a try.

 

Hi I got the rack and pinion installed. I thought I would drive it --something is making the L/F wheel wobble.Before I replaced the rack I jacked up each side seperate and put power to each wheel and saw nothing wobbling? He was sideswswiped at the front of the L/F wheel,the rack was busted. Does anyone know what usually bends in such a crash. Thanks

 

Is the wobble still there when you jack up the car and take a look?

Did you replace the tie rod end and shaft going from the rack to the rod end?

 

Hi I replaced the whole unit with the tie rods with it. I jacked up each side seperate to check for runout-none.I also jacked up each side under the lower control arm and rotated,no wobble. Thanks Joe

 

Given there was no wobble with the car jacked up before and after the repair would suspect the rack repair was not the cause. Did you replace the complete rack including the gear housing where the steering wheel shaft attaches?

The wheel is supporting the cars weight when on the ground and running on the tire. This could result in one or more parts now being loaded and reacting differantly.

Have had issues with wobble caused by a bad tire and bent rim.

How is the rest of the suspension such as lower control arm and upper shock?

Watch the tire for out of round movement and not just the typical in/out wobble.

If the rack was destroyed now wondering about such things as the CV joints/axle. A massive side load might have caused something to bend.

With the tire off the ground grab it at 3 and 9 o'clock and and move it in/out to check for play.

How much wobble is there, is it a one to one movement with the tire rotation?

Suggest you compare the damaged side with the non-damaged side. Look at each tire, is the damaged tire off in one direction. Is the bottom, front, rear or top of the tire too in or out compared to the other side.

Also check the wheel bearing and hub, the hub could now have a slight bend.

If the wobble occurs at slow speeds have someone watch the tire are you drive by.

 

Hey It sounds like you pull wrenches for a living. I did all those things,thats why Im puzzled. Thanks Joe

 

Something must have been damaged when the car was hit. Something that is loose enough not to wobble when up on a jack but loads up when the weight is placed on it.

Have you tried swapping tires?