Steering rack noise

B

Blueman

Member
Evening chaps,

My Zeds an e85 2003 2.5i

I’ve been getting a knocking/clunking noise from the steering rack while driving. I took it to my local mechanic and had it up on the lift to investigate.

I’m not a mechanic but I’ll explain what was tested. The steering wheel was wiggled from left to right which recreated the clunking noise. The wheels were grabbed and wiggled to see if there was any play and they were solid. Drop links are good, balls joints good, recently replaced shocks and springs. It sounds like the noise is coming from the steering rack. It’d have to be stripped down to further investigate I’m told. Possibly a new steering rack.

I’m writing to ask if the noise is a known issue and hopefully it’s something less serious than replacing the rack. I’ve been told I can drive it for now until a make a decision.
 
I have a car here as a project. It had exactly that issue and was raised two MOTs back. They changed the rack.
Last MOT it was still there as an advisory.
The car has basically had the whole front end suspension overhauled before I got it. Still got the clunk.
Last week I got someone to wiggle the wheel enough to make the noise while I rolled around under the car, and we noted it did it before the wheels started to move.
Looks to be coming from the lower universal joint on the steering column intermediate shaft. They are subjected to a lot of water and salt from the roads and the joints wear, allowing movement within the UJ.
 
raymond.harper said:
Did your mechanic test the two joints in the intermediate shaft for play?
Click to expand...

Not sure about that one all I can say is he spent time wiggling everything around the wheels both sides while another mechanic wiggled the steering wheel. I was underneath too and heard the noise coming from the rack.

He also went in through the bonnet and had his arm down behind the heat shield looking for the issue.
 
enuff_zed said:
I have a car here as a project. It had exactly that issue and was raised two MOTs back. They changed the rack.
Last MOT it was still there as an advisory.
The car has basically had the whole front end suspension overhauled before I got it. Still got the clunk.
Last week I got someone to wiggle the wheel enough to make the noise while I rolled around under the car, and we noted it did it before the wheels started to move.
Looks to be coming from the lower universal joint on the steering column intermediate shaft. They are subjected to a lot of water and salt from the roads and the joints wear, allowing movement within the UJ.
Click to expand...
Sounds like my issue can I leave it for now or will I need to get it replaced?
 
Blueman said:
enuff_zed said:
I have a car here as a project. It had exactly that issue and was raised two MOTs back. They changed the rack.
Last MOT it was still there as an advisory.
The car has basically had the whole front end suspension overhauled before I got it. Still got the clunk.
Last week I got someone to wiggle the wheel enough to make the noise while I rolled around under the car, and we noted it did it before the wheels started to move.
Looks to be coming from the lower universal joint on the steering column intermediate shaft. They are subjected to a lot of water and salt from the roads and the joints wear, allowing movement within the UJ.
Click to expand...
Sounds like my issue can I leave it for now or will I need to get it replaced?
Click to expand...
It won’t suddenly fall apart. But will only get worse over time
 
enuff_zed said:
Blueman said:
enuff_zed said:
I have a car here as a project. It had exactly that issue and was raised two MOTs back. They changed the rack.
Last MOT it was still there as an advisory.
The car has basically had the whole front end suspension overhauled before I got it. Still got the clunk.
Last week I got someone to wiggle the wheel enough to make the noise while I rolled around under the car, and we noted it did it before the wheels started to move.
Looks to be coming from the lower universal joint on the steering column intermediate shaft. They are subjected to a lot of water and salt from the roads and the joints wear, allowing movement within the UJ.
Click to expand...
Sounds like my issue can I leave it for now or will I need to get it replaced?
Click to expand...
It won’t suddenly fall apart. But will only get worse over time
Click to expand...

Is it a labour intensive job? I’m not even sure where that’s located on the car to be honest.
 
Having done it before it would be an hour for me, including the car up on ramps, undertray off, reinforcing plate off, swap the shaft and rebuild.
 
Blueman said:
enuff_zed said:
[ref]Blueman[/ref], where are you? Would be happy to help if anywhere near me
Click to expand...
I appreciate that I’m in Cardiff. Is umfaam above selling the part I need?
Click to expand...
Yes he is. And May be able to assist as he’s close by. So is Colb
 
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