The old red beast was getting pretty loose on the road and I assumed the steering rack was the culprit because the boots were ripped when I bought it. So I got a new one and new tie rod ends. I replaced the tie rod ends last week to try that first and it drives like a champ. So I guess I can return that $300 steering rack.

Quite easy really. Only took me about an hour to put them in. The sucky part is that now I need to get an alignment. I spent about 2 hours and got it close using a square and a laser line, but don't want to drive it that way too long.

Its nice when a repair ends up being easier than expected. That usually isn't the norm though.

later,
Curt

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Did you make sure to NOT twist the steering rack boots? It's a common thing alignment mechanics don't do which makes them crack/break open.

Yeah, didn't turn the linkage at all, only turned the tie rod end. Not because I knew that it might tear the boot, but because I didn't know whether or not it's supposed to be turned. Looks like I made a good call eh?

Before you give up hope on your new steering rack, you may want to try a a test for a worn rack and pinion. All you do is take the car up to like 25mph and sway the steering wheel back and forth (enough to where the rear gets squirmy). If your steering responds perfectly (as in: no delay when counter steering), then it's fine.

I wouldn't be surprised if your old rack was worn so bad that you'd steer to the left, then to the right, then back left and the wheels never respond to turning right. I vaguely remember your steering having poor response that day you let me drive the red car to your place from Home Depot so many moons ago.

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06 Blue EVO 9