Steering Rack is Wack!
 

Need some steering rack diagnostic help.

Condition: Stock wheels & tires, Koni struts, K&B springs, slightly worn inner tie rod ends

Problem: When stopped (such as at a stop light), if I turn the steering wheel from lock to lock, it is not smooth. There's a "kickback" feel to it where, with constant input from myself, there is a variable resistance in the steering wheel that creates a sort of chatter as I turn the wheel. Then, toward the locks, the effort ramps up very high...to the point that I cannot turn it any more without rolling forward a bit. Then I get probably 15-20 degrees more before I reach full lock.

Any ideas or related experience from y'all? Rack? Rack valve body? Tie rod ends? PS Pump?

Mat

Well before we dig too deep, how's "the o-ring"?

100% the o ring. Do a search for it, takes a few minutes and costs less then a buck(assuming you have a turkey baster you can steal!)
phil

o-ring is done...first thing I did. Also replaced the PS hose coming between PS resevoir and PS cooling circuit. Done with OEM subaru washer, even. Any other ideas. fluid level low? The dip stick looks good, but I could probably add about a half quart without the level going up at all. I hate that dip stick.

If that's the case either you have air in your system or that fluid is leaking out somewhere.

Mine felt similar to what you're describing just before the crankshaft pulley completely seperated.

Dan

Dan...
How long did it feel that way before the crankshaft pulley died? I have the 1 piece billet underdrive pulley, so that probably isn't it.

That brings me to another thought...could the underdrive function of that pulley be causing these woes. I could see it making the steering heavier, but I don't see how it would cause the chatter.

Air in the system seems legit. How would that occur, and how do I flush the system? Like I said, the dip stick can read full, but I can add tons of fluid without any overflow.

Mat

bump bump bump

In order to get the air out you turn the wheel completely to one side than all the way to the other several times slowly. Take the PS reservoir cap off...If you have air, bubbles should come up there. Sometimes it even foams.

One thing you can do is: While having the car running and on the ground turn the steering wheel abruptly from side to side (not all the way)...changing direction quickly. If you get major kickback or feel a loss of power steering your pump is not giving enough juice...if everything is fine then there could be something wrong with your rack and pinion.

Thanks,
I'll check those things out.

Sorry, I didn't see this until just now.

About a week, but like you said, solid pulley wouldn't seperate.

Could the belt be slipping? I remember reading a post where there was concern about the belts slipping on the much smoother aluminum surface.

Have you tried your lock to lock movement with the hood up and someone watching the pump? Is it turning consistantly, not 'lurching' or 'jumping'?

Good Luck,
Dan

Thanks for some more good tips. I'll try all this out soon and see what I can find out.