I am in need of a few expert's advise on my steering problem.

Here are the symptoms:

1) grinding noise if steering wheel is turned in either extremeties

2) intermittent loss of powering steering (sometimes while driving, the steering wheel would be heavy as if the engine was off) <= very brief however, will only do if I turn about 10-15 degrees, after that everything is fine again.

3) engine RPM drop if I turn to the right, with the losst of power steering symptoms

4) going straight after a left turn will leave my steering wheel crooked to the left, but doing so with a right turn will return the steering wheel to the 12 o'clock position as normal.

5) lane drifting for no apparent reason

6) steering during lane drifting won't response as it should, kinda like too much freeplay, but this only happens at hight speed

from searching around and reading, i think those symptoms are pointing at the steering rack, but needed more opinions before I start replacing things. and NO, there is no leak where the steering rack boot is, in fact, it is completely dry.

I have already replaced the outter tie rod, but are unsure of the condition of the inner tie rod.

and last but not least, I have a basic mechanic tool set with jack and jack stands, and access to air tools, in order to replace the steering rack, do I need any other special tool? and how long would the job take approximately?

thanks for reading the long post.

 

Sounds like you need a new steering rack......basic tools will cover it, small hands would be a blessing...

 

thought so too, there goes my weekend.