Steering problem

[captain Byrne]

Hi all,
Got a bit of a problem with my steering (LHD non-power on a 1.9 petrol). There's a clunking noise when I do a hard turn, mainly when the van is stationary or moving slowly, so giving it some gip really. Looking at the rack when the steering wheel is being turned, I can see the input shaft is pulling out of the rack by about 0.5cm as it makes the clunking noise. Not really sure if it's the rack or something else, tie rod end, bushes? The rack is less than 18 months old, done only 8,000 miles. Thoughts appreciated, thanks.

[Ian Hulley]

Checked your wheel bearings ? Usually I'd say that was a track rod or the end but ....

Ian

[captain Byrne]

Checked bearings, track rod ends, all tight.

[Ian Hulley]

Upper wishbone bushes ?

Ian

[captain Byrne]

Thanks Ian,
I really need to get the van on a ramp & have a good rummage. Pretty sure it's not the rack, never heard of a shaft making a noise like that and the shaft coming out of the rack by a few mm should be normal play... I hope!

[Ian Hulley]

Could also be knackered rack bushes .... if so replace using Brickwerks Polyflex they are VERY good and easy to fit.

Ian