D3 Steering Rack Play

[Epic pooh]

I have been remediating suspension and handling issues in my 05 D3 (shocks and airbags, rack ends and tie rods, lca) and have been told that my rack is the source of some play and dissatisfaction with my steering (I knew that but was told not to change it when the rack ends and tie rods were done - advice I should probably not have followed). I also notice my rear lca and front uppers look like they've seen better days - so I am trying to decide which to attack first.

Who's had their rack changed out ? Could anyone describe the before and after feel and symptoms they had ? Cost would be awesome too (currently can get remanufactured rack for $550 + fitting) ? Thanks in advance for any comments !

[rb30gtr]

Hi mate,

How many Km's has your D3 got on it?

What sort of feel are you getting to lead you to the rack as the diagnosed issue?

Thanks,
Ben

[Epic pooh]

Hi Ben,

I have annoying wandering and tramlining - at speed it is quite frustrating (also pulls left and the wheel is heeled right slightly from a bad wheel alignment and I now have somehow gotten a vibration at high speed - read Northern Territory speeds - which is new). It's much improved with new lower steering column shaft, new track rod ends, shocks/bags and LCA, but still not to my taste (has been getting progressively worse since about 120,000km and I started on this journey mid-last year when 5 hours at the wheel took a fatigue toll which didn't use to be the case). I've currently done 140,000km or thereabouts.

The rack clearly has some play at centre (up to 1cm) and I can see the play when inspecting components (and as I said, I regret not doing the rack and rack ends but was convinced not to) - investigation by several mechanics has led to several suggestions (rotten tyres, rear lower, front upper & rack being the remaining ones). I don't discount that bad wear on my tyres is a large part of the problem, as keen readers will see I absolutely love my GG AT's ... not !!

Trying to get a feel for what others may do when faced with these issues and resolutions - I mean I could just change the lot (tyres, rack, rear lower, front upper) but ... there are some limits to what my wife will permit as reasonable expenditure ... particularly as lately it has been sorta regular ... hahaha .... ageing cars gotta love 'em (why can't this beast age gracefully like my 21 year old, 1 owner, Daihatsu Charade !!) !!

Cheers,
Mick

[jonesy63]

Hi Mick,
I had the steering rack (and wheel bearings) replaced at 132,000km service on my previous D3. That was the first and last time I had to use extended warranty - so it finally paid for itself.

Cheers,
Rob

[Epic pooh]

Cheers Rob !

Aaaarrrghh wheel bearings (done both sides already - one at 'bend over in the shower' prices when it failed last year at the Snow) and the other at much more reasonable 'internet shopping' prices !

How did the rack feel before and after replacement ? Was it replaced from play or leakage ?

[jonesy63]

Very slight tramlining and replaced because of play. Not that bad at all, but similar to the vagueness I recently had in my D4 with stuffed ball joints and hydrobush.