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Steering Problem

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Old 07-22-2006, 04:24 PM
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Steering Problem

So I have a 96 GLE auto (unfortunately) with approx 156k miles. Normal bolt ons. WPS Y-PIPE, Greddy SP2 Cat Back, Unorthodox UP.....so on and so forth and I drive the stinkin thing like a stick. Yesterday as I'm gettin on it through the gears I reach 3rd and my steering goes wild. Car went violently to right and then to the left. Not your normal torque steer issue. Feels like steering just went out. Let off the gas and it went back to normal..noticed that my steering wheel is now a bit off center to the left and now rack feels loose. Resevoir is full....does not appear to be any leaks...I took back out today and it does same thing. Under normal driving conditions it is fine....it's just when I get on it that it happens. Anyone have any thoughts or had this happen? Would a broken engine mount cause this?
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Old 07-22-2006, 09:03 PM
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Have you jacked up the car and took a look yet? How are your ball joints?
Jae
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Old 07-23-2006, 05:42 AM
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check all of the bushings: control arms & rack. if you have any fluid leaks that have gotten on any rubber bushings, check them closely for damage. the rack bushings, if bad could let the rack move around under pressure, same w/ctrl arm bushings.
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Old 07-23-2006, 05:44 AM
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Sounds like the rack mounting bushings failed.
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Old 07-23-2006, 06:39 AM
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why shift it? its an auto dude accept it lol
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Old 07-23-2006, 09:49 AM
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Originally Posted by nitromax
check all of the bushings: control arms & rack. if you have any fluid leaks that have gotten on any rubber bushings, check them closely for damage. the rack bushings, if bad could let the rack move around under pressure, same w/ctrl arm bushings.
Thanks for the reponse's. I jacked car up and on pass side there appears to be a lot of fluid on the control arm, cv boot and surrounding structure. Thoughts? What am I looking for?
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Old 07-23-2006, 11:05 AM
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What kind of fluid. Color
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Old 07-23-2006, 06:54 PM
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do the rack bushings look damaged, ie: swollen, broken, are they out of the brackets, is the rack out of place in the brackets. have somebody rock the steering wheel from side to side while you watch the rack for any side to side movement of the rack itself, not the bellows. as for the fluid, on the passenger side its most likely p/s fld could be oil also. clean it up ,find the source and fix. on the ctrl arm bushings look for simular damage. feel them to see if they're very soft/mushy. especially the bushing at the rear of the arm. is the frt bushing still there?
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Old 07-24-2006, 01:53 PM
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Well, the damage is as follows: P/S rack is shot....have leaky oil sending unit, a hole in my P/S suction hose, rght lower control arm is shot and my sway bar bushings are destroyed. I was driving car last night and everything basically gave out. Since I need car for work had it taken to shop and they confirmed the above. With refurbished rack (new was $1800) all other parts, labor and alignment grand total $1700. Ouch. So much for the mods I had planned on doing. Appreciate all the response.
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Old 07-24-2006, 08:51 PM
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That's quite a chunk of change. But at least you'll rest assured everything will be fixed and all good again.
Jae
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Old 07-25-2006, 02:55 PM
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Fogot to add that dealer was less than shop I normally take car to (approx $270 less) and they even put me in a rental. I was actually shocked they picked up the tab. Guess there are still some legitimate dealer service shops.
Interested to see how the max will drive once I get it back.
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Old 07-26-2006, 01:23 PM
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wow! i think u should let the TX peeps kno about your dealership. good find!
Jae
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