Steering wheel shake
 

Hey all. I just replaced my rack and pinion. And now i have a metal on metal noise when i hit a slight bump. And almost like a ticking sound coming from the front end while im driving. I think its the ball joints. And if i go over about 45, the steering wheel starts to shake. So now im stumped. Anyone kno?
Thanks

Well if you put the rubber insolators back holding the rack, that part should be ok. The ball and socket ends of the rack must be tight, but enough to allow free movement. Could be upper and lower ball joint, then again it could be a wheel or tire way out of balance.

Also make sure the tie rod ends are on tight and that the wheel bearings don't have any real play in them. This doesn't sound like your problem, but if it is under braking, then the rotor could be warped.

Let us know.

Russ

usually the lower ball joints go out first.

Did you have it re-aligned?

i dont think there is any adjustment at the ball joint itself, the adjustment is on the other end of the lower A arm, but if your old one was warn out, it will need to be re-alligned most likely.

Yea, after i got the rack and pinion put it they said they aligned it but it still pulls to the right a noticable amount. So you all think its the lower ball joint? I just put new brembo rotors on the front so its most likely not the rotors.

Warped Rotors only give vibration when you are applying the brakes. If it is doing it just driving, then a bent wheel can cause it. This is a big problem with aluminum rims. Also...worn bushings are a big cause, even more than ball joints. Take it to the 'recommended best' front end shop in town and have them look at it. Most front end work is best done at the shop, as they will have the proper tools.

PS...if you had the rack put in at a front end shop, they should have checked everything out while it was there, and fixed it, because they are there to make $$$, and make YOU a happy customer.

My front wheel bearing is shot and that causes the car to shake when im going fast. I have a worn rear upper ball joint too, if anyone knows where to find these please let me know! and why are the wheel bearings 70$? i replaced them in a front wheel drive ford minivan and they were 9$ each.