Front End Play - Steering Rack Wear?

a3inverter · Post by **a3inverter** » 19 Jul 2022, 19:46

All,

Failed Mass safety inspection today with the comment that my 2006 V70 had "right side front end play".

In the last 2-3 years I've replaced both control arms, both front struts, both ball joints and the right/passenger outer tie rod. No mention of FE issues the last 3 annual inspections, but I did have a tire place suggest that I needed both inner and outer tie rod ends on the passenger side back in December of last year but I wasn't sure if this was part of their upselling or not (they advised me that I needed a new TPMS sending unit in the same visit...which my car doesn't actually have).

I've had a leaky steering rack situation a few years back but a couple applications of Lucas treatment resolved that.

This evening I got her up on jack stands and gave it the old 3 and 9 shake. Sure enough, there was a click and the feel of slight movement. I replaced the original inner tie rod on the passenger side (it was floppy and loose) and the outer (Lemforder) that I replaced within the last year for good measure.

Issue is that there's still that same click when I give it the 3 and 9 test. So my question is...is it typical to have a little play in the steering rack? Or maybe the issue is truly on the left/drivers side?

Replacing the rack sounds like a total PITA having investigated it before. I'm tooled up for the experience, however sourcing a used rack looks to be a challenge (Erie VoVo is showing plenty in stock for $725 each).

Eager for your thoughts...

Post by **br0dy519** » 19 Jul 2022, 20:37

I can’t comment on the play, but I’m 2/2 on my vehicles both requiring steering racks. Both leaked an impressive amount of fluid. Pretty much one of the worst jobs you can do on the car. I contracted it out and purchased rebuilt racks.

a3inverter · Post by **a3inverter** » 19 Jul 2022, 21:30

Did some additional searching...might this possibly be the subframe shifting side to side. For the record, my 2006 V70 has 175k miles.

Post by **jonesg** » 19 Jul 2022, 21:38

you need to get it up on jackstands, get under there and put your hands on various parts as someone shakes the wheel.
Not sure how you could move the subframe by pushing the wheel.
if you can hear it you'll be able to feel it.

Post by **abscate** » 20 Jul 2022, 02:51

They are pricing that at one half of new price, which is rich. You LL do much better at apick and pull.

a3inverter · Post by **a3inverter** » 20 Jul 2022, 06:42

Update. Went back to the inspection place and told my tale. The guy checked it out and said that while the 3 and 9 movement was gone, he detected some 6 and 12 movement

Ball joints and control arms were replaced together maybe 15-20k miles ago. All Lemforder. Maybe I hit a pothole. No damage to the control arm bushings that I could see.

Taking it to a local shop for them to inspect it.

Post by **vtl** » 21 Jul 2022, 07:41

What about the wheel bearing?

FCP sells factory refurbished Bosch-ZF racks. I have installed one. The rack develops a free play around 0 position, which returns in a crappy handling on a highway.

You can disconnect U-joint from the steering rack and twist it CW/CCW. If you will feel the click - it can be the U-joint. Otherwise if you only hear it - it's the steering rack. You may adjust the big nut on the rack a bit, if it helps - surely it's the rack.

a3inverter · Post by **a3inverter** » 21 Jul 2022, 10:36

Wheel bearing may be the winner! Shop I brought it to diagnosed it that way and I'm going to replace it tomorrow. Nice shop - they wouldn't take payment as a "diagnostic fee".

I did find a link to a yoke adjustment that can be done, but I'll only investigate it further if it's not the wheel bearing.

Post by **jonesg** » 21 Jul 2022, 22:02

a3inverter wrote: ↑21 Jul 2022, 10:36 Wheel bearing may be the winner! Shop I brought it to diagnosed it that way and I'm going to replace it tomorrow. Nice shop - they wouldn't take payment as a "diagnostic fee".

I did find a link to a yoke adjustment that can be done, but I'll only investigate it further if it's not the wheel bearing.

usually wheel bearings make a loud racket long before you can detect play.

a3inverter · Post by **a3inverter** » 25 Jul 2022, 19:33

Conclusion: Wheel Bearing. PO had an independent replace the right front hub at 124k with a no name aftermarket hub. No noises and maybe just the slightest bit of play. I also noticed that the axle bolt was really easy to remove, so wondering if pushing and pulling the wheel during the inspection resulted in some movement and noise from the axle shaft.

Anyhow, passed inspection and got her aligned. Ready to hit the road again!

Thanks all for the thoughts and assistance!