Steering Rack Problems

[BRAD]

I have a bad creaking noise coming from my steering rack on my 2003 galaxy.Have been underneath car when wife turning wheel ,with engine off and sounds like it needs greasing in the pinion gearing.

I assume that I will need to change the rack,it seems very tight where the rack goes into car do I need to drop the sub-frame a bit ?

Edited April 13, 2017 by BRAD

[BrianH]

It might be worth checking its not the bearings in the top of the suspension struts first - they do seem to fail and cause all manner of creaking noises.

 

Disconnecting the track rod ends from the wheel hub should allow you to prove it if your not sure.

[BRAD]

I thought that was the problem as one was seized,so changed both sides,had to cut cups and nut off of shock,so new shocks top bushes and bearings,also replaced bottom ball joint and new drop links as they were apart.

Have disconnected steering column as it felt like a joint on that, but that moves freely,so it has to be in the pinion gearing ?

Cant see anyone that has taken a rack out,didn't know how much grief it was, as it seems` very tight where pinion goes into bulkhead and subframe.

GETTING TO OLD FOR CRAWLING UNDER CARS

[sparky Paul]

GETTING TO OLD FOR CRAWLING UNDER CARS

 

Ditto.

 

I don't think the rack often gives problems, hence the lack of any mentions on here. I haven't done this myself, but Mr Haynes says drop the subframe, or 'cross member' as they call it.