Been a long while since I've been here. No major troubles - til now.

Changed son's steering rack on his 1991 Legacy wagon.

Had some stiff spots in the rotation of the wheel.

Tried the easy thing first, power steering pump.

Today we put in a used rack and noticed the double u-joint coupling was somewhat bound up. I believe it was the lower joint. Tried one from an old xt laying in the backyard but it was just a little too short.

We are going shopping for another coupling tomorrow. Anyone seen such problems?

Did I need to change the rack or just the coupling. Kind of late now but I'd sure appreciate any insight.

 

tnx

rick

w. mi.

Sounds like it could be the coupling. Is the rack bleed (turn it lock to lock as the pump is running.

 

Did the binding go away with the front end off the ground? Doing this will unload the rack, if the binding is still present I'd say it was the coupling.

I did not check the rack with the wheels off the ground.

I have just found a much better used coupling and will install this afternoon. It too shows some very light binding in the same joint. Better then the other. Must be something about Michigan's winter road conditions.

When done with the installation will hopefully report back with good news.

tnx for reply.

rick

Completed installation last night.

After much squealing from pump, it finally quieted down.

Took for a short test drive and still not convinced all is well. Some stiff spots off center of wheel. I did notice some slight foaming in the reservoir. How much driving before the system has purged all the air?

r

w mi

Have you done anything about the coupling. Its not uncommon for them to seize up. Untill then you cant really diagnose the issue.

 

Turning the wheel full lock from left to right slowly will usually get the air out after 10 turns.

 

nipper

As I said earlier, the coupling we installed is better then the removed unit.

Friend is going to make a run down south to get a rust free sube and while down there will look for a better coupling.

Sure wish I would have checked the coupling before doing the rack.

Once the snow leaves the roads a bit (tmrw I think) will give a good test run.

 

If you do things right the first time, you don't learn much.

rick

Try soaking/spraying it for now in/with a penetrating oil, maybe that will loosen it up.

 

Usually you learn from your mistakes, but some mistakes may not allow you to return from the. Steering is one of them