Rack & Pinion (All)
Steering System Details
Rack & Pinion - Uneven left and right turning radiuses
A tighter turning radius in one direction indicates that the rack & pinion was not at its center of travel when the toe alignment was set.
Visual Cues:
- Uneven number of turns at steering wheel from center to full left and full right lock.
- Tie rod assemblies are different lengths.
- Verify with a tape measure or count exposed threads on each side of the adjuster sleeve.
- Check steering arm to steering stop clearance at full lock and compare both sides.
Solution:
- Find center of rack and pinion travel:
- Disconnect tie rods from center link, use steering wheel to find center.
- Count turns from lock to lock (just over three turns).
- Turn to full lock, then back half the total turns (just over 1.5 turns).
- Adjust tie rod assemblies to even lengths, then reattach to center link.
- Set toe with equal adjustments to both sides.
- Center steering wheel after alignment.
- Tighten jam and castle nuts, insert and bend cotter pins.
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Rack & Pinion - Poor 'return to center'
Indicates lack of centering force or excessive friction preventing self-centering at driving speeds.
Possible Issues:
- Rack not 'broken in'
- Complete 1,000 miles of street driving to improve return to center.
- Pinion adjustment too tight
- Raise front wheels, check for 'notchy' steering. Should be smooth with 0-1/8" play at wheel.
- If notchy or play exceeds 1/8", adjust pinion set screw:
- Loosen lock nut (15/16" hex) around set screw (5/16" allen).
- Tighten set screw while rocking steering wheel, then back off 1/4 turn.
- Tighten lock nut while holding set screw.
- Insufficient caster
- Add 1.5-2° caster by shortening strut rod or adjusting upper control arm.
- Tighten jam nuts after adjustments.
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Rack & Pinion - Steering pulls to one side at driving speed
Noticeable at regular speeds, less so below 15-20 mph.
Possible Issues:
- Uneven tire pressures
- Check Steering is too easy or stiff - Tire pressure section.
- Incorrect control valve bias
- Raise wheels, start engine, check for uninitiated steering movement. Refer to Steering effort easier in one direction for solution.
- Uneven caster settings
- Modern highways need less caster compensation. Refer to Alignment - Caster.
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Rack & Pinion - "Play" or looseness at steering wheel
Should have no more than 1/8" free play before wheel movement.
Troubleshooting:
- Rock steering wheel, observe pinion shaft:
- If shaft doesn't move: Issue between wheel and shaft (e.g., loose u-joint set screws or steering wheel nut).
- If shaft moves: Issue between shaft and wheels (e.g., loose pinion, tie-rods, ball-joints, or wheel bearings).
- Check and tighten all components, replace damaged parts, and recheck play.
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Rack & Pinion - Steering stiff with wheels off ground
Refer to Poor 'return to center - "Rack not 'broken in'" and "Pinion adjustment too tight" sections.
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Rack & Pinion - Steering effort easier in one direction at slow speed
Indicates incorrect control valve bias.
Solution:
- Adjust set screws on pinion shaft (90° apart, above red cap) in 1/12 turn increments.
- Increase left bias: Loosen left screw, tighten right screw.
- Increase right bias: Loosen right screw, tighten left screw.
- Ensure engine is off during adjustments.
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Rack & Pinion - Steering is too easy or stiff
Caused by tire size, vehicle weight, or system settings.
Possible Issues:
- Tire pressure: Verify within manufacturer’s range.
- Incorrect caster: See Alignment - Caster.
- Pump flow valve: Adjust flow valve (2.11 gpm standard, range 1.32-3.17 gpm).
- Loose set screws: Tighten screws on pinion shaft, check steering effort.
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Power assist fades after car is warmed up
Steering becomes harder as engine warms, possibly intermittent.
Solution:
- Reroute power steering lines away from heat sources.
- Increase airflow to pump and reservoir.
- Add inline fluid cooler for race vehicles.
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Can I use my original power steering pump?
Not recommended due to noise, over-boost, and reliability issues. Use our matched pump for optimal performance.
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Which power steering fluid?
Use only petroleum-based oil. Avoid synthetic, ATF, or resealing additives.
Approved Fluids:
- USA: NAPA PSF 9832 (1 qt.), PSF 9801 (1 gal.), NHF 85401 (1 gal.)
- Canada: NVO 15040 (10L)
- Europe: Pentosin CHF7.1 (BMW/Audi)
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Vacuum bleeding the system
May be needed to remove air causing noise or irregular assist.
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