Strange steering?

[Subliminal]

This weekend I replaced the steering rack in my 86 GTS...for the second time.

Anyway, the new rack was basically the same (looking) as the other rack, except the metal lines on the rack were in a slightly different place. Not the lines from the pump, but the lines that just come out of the rack and go back in in a different place.

No biggie, though, right?

Well, no. So I replaced the thing, got the new one on the car, and found that the new one doesn't clunk like the other, doesn't stick like the first, and is SUPER easy to move.

But on the road it doesn't really seem to have a center. It doesn't have any feedback feel, and if you're holding it while driving, and you sway a little in the car, it seems to transmit to the wheel in a much bigger way than I'm used to. It also doesn't return to center like I would think it should.

Not sure what the deal is, though, or what car the rack might have come from.

Anyone have any insight or similiar experience?

[shadow88]

Has it been aligned and do you have a printout?

[Subliminal]

The car was aligned previous to installing this rack and great pains were taken to assure that the new rack was still in alignment.

That being said, there's a chance of it being slightly out, but when the car is going straight the wheel is straight and i can drive 1/4 mile with no hands on the wheel.

So, yes and no.

[shadow88]

All I do at work is steering/suspension problems. I know in spite of my best efforts, it's hardly ever 100% correct.

So the car has a loose feeling and not alot of feedback? Sounds like the total toe is too negative. I've been able to get a feel for this over the last few years, and I'm usualy right about the cars I work on. It's best to at have it aligned again. Too much negate toe will cause the inside edge of the tire to feather and wear.

[Subliminal]

Yeah, I hear ya.

Basically, I'm scared to spend the money on a realignment and then find out I need to swap out the rack AGAIN and then need ANOTHER realignment.

Thanks for the help!

[shadow88]

No problem. Around here a 2 wheel costs about 60-80 bucks. It's probably worth it just for the sake of your tires.

[Force Fed Mopar]

Down here, I can get a 2-wheel alignment done for 35-40 bucks. I usually set my own now though, using a tape measure. Just make sure the steering wheel is straight when you do it :)

[Subliminal]

I'm fairly sure it isn't the alignment. I mean, it could be, but it sure shouldn't be.

I'm thinking it's just a rack from a weird vehicle..especially since the make/etc is unknown.

Oh well...it was such a pita to change out the last one, I'm thinking I might just say screw it and just deal with it.

Sucks, though...as other than that the car is doing pretty good these days.