Yes I did post this in another thread. I have two problems I am trying to figure out.

 

 

I have multiple problems but this one I can't figure out. My steering wheel only locks 90degrees off center now. The wheels and steering wheel are still aligned straight. So, if I hold the steering wheel straight the wheels are straight, but when I turn off the ignition and take the key out, the steering wheel does not lock unless I rotate it 90 degrees. It did not do this before. What causes this?

 

Now on to the other problems. I think my steering rack is thrashed. When I am going under 10 miles an hour, there is a lot of play and some shaking in the steering. I checked tie rods, ball joints, cv, brakes, wheel bearing, etc. They all feel firm with no play. If I go under the car and somebody moves the steering wheel left to right quickly only a few inches, there is a metal on metal knock or ping coming from the steering rack. Steering rack u-joints feel tight. When I do a full lock turn, there is a noticeable groan/noise and 'bad' feeling in the steering. Power steering fluid level is fine.

 

I also did hit a pretty bad pothole the other day.

 

I did find a cheap used steering rack and I am willing to replace it, but I am not sure what to do about the steering wheel lock problem and if they are related.

 

 

1995 Legacy wagon 285k Auto

Please only make one post, as it confuses everyone when there are two covering the same subject.

 

 

 

nipper