No, it's not another case of the bearings failing in the column, I bent it. The splined end where the U-joints join on is bent, so that it wanders in a bigger circle when you turn the wheel. The U-joints are binding too because of the tweakedness.

I'm not sure how it happened, I know when it happened. I bottomed the car out real hard, accordianed the oil pan, and ripped the radiator hoses off, so the engine moved a lot. The crossmember doesn't seem bent, but for the rack to move toward the steering column, it must have.

 

Anyone have this happen before? Or am I abusive to the car beyond the norm?

Anyone have this happen before? Or am I abusive to the car beyond the norm?

 

Uhhh, do you really have to ask that question? No, I've never hit anything seriously enough to do more than dent the bottom pan and remove my exhaust system. I bet other people on here might have though.