Need "Rack and Pinion" info...

[SoCal Rebell]

Need \"Rack and Pinion\" info...

I had to cut my Viperdays weekend short last weekend because my power steering was cutting in and out. I thought it was my ps pump but the Dodge dealer says it's my rack & pinion which they are replacing. What the he!! is the rack and pinion? I've heard of it but don't know exactly what it is or how it can fail. Also, is the "toe" the only adjustment I have to worry about when they re-align? Wanna keep my track settings. OK gurus let's hear it.

 

[GTS Dean]

Re: Need \"Rack and Pinion\" info...

Internal seals can develop leaks. The pinion shaft has a torsion bar between it and the steering shaft that can cause problems.

The car must be bump-steered after the initial toe is set to make sure the mounting height of the new rack is within tolerance. The rack has pressed-in bushings that probably don't always seat to the same depth. My car required reshimming after the new rack support was welded in during the recall.