Now that I've completed my strut replacement and will start the bushing and ball joints soon, I thought I'd focus on the steering vagueness I've been noticing while driving straight-ahead on the highway as I've been to and from work, lately.
While jacking up the front of the car, I noticed some play in the steering when grabbing the tire and moving it back and forth. Either wheel can be moved (toe) in and out about 1/8", yet there would be no corresponding movement from the other wheel, nor from the steering column. Therefore, I thought that this would be either a large lash issue in the actual rack or the inner tie rods are worn. One or both of which is, I believe, resulting in a vagueness.
My question, is there any way to know for sure if it is the rack or the inner tie rod ends that are the culprit without having taking out the steering rack from the car? And how are the rod ends attached to the rack (it doesn't seem to be explained either in the technical nor the service manuals)?
Thanks.
While jacking up the front of the car, I noticed some play in the steering when grabbing the tire and moving it back and forth. Either wheel can be moved (toe) in and out about 1/8", yet there would be no corresponding movement from the other wheel, nor from the steering column. Therefore, I thought that this would be either a large lash issue in the actual rack or the inner tie rods are worn. One or both of which is, I believe, resulting in a vagueness.
My question, is there any way to know for sure if it is the rack or the inner tie rod ends that are the culprit without having taking out the steering rack from the car? And how are the rod ends attached to the rack (it doesn't seem to be explained either in the technical nor the service manuals)?
Thanks.