New (rebuilt) Rack with play.

**Toms01** · 08-18-12, 09:04 PM

Back in May, the rack on my 2001 coupe started leaking. I took the car to a local repair place where they told me that the rack was unavailable from their sources. I told them that Zip Corvette (a forum sponsor) had them and they bought one and installed it.

I had a total knee replacement done about the same time, so I did not get to drive it much in June. Well the first time I drove it everything seemed to be OK, but as I drive it more I notice there is play in the rack. With the car off there appears to be about 3/4 inch of play in the steering wheel. It also wanders a bit when driving it. On smooth roads it is not too noticeable, but as the road get rougher the wandering is more noticeable. Wheel alignment was done after the install, so I can't think that that is the issue and would not account for the play in the wheel when the car is not running.

My question is what are my options? Is there some adjustment to take the play out, or does the whole rack need replacing? Right now I'm glad the rack doesn't leak, but the less than acceptable performance is disconcerting.

I sent a message to Zip last week, but they haven't answered. Jesse, what do you think?

**gmjunkie** · 08-19-12, 02:25 AM

Originally Posted by Toms01

I sent a message to Zip last week, but they haven't answered. Jesse, what do you think?

What do I think about what??

Zip Products...........(I won't go there in open forums)

Or your Wonder and Wheel play?

As far as the rack,The steering wheel shouldn't have that much play!~!!

There are a few things that can cause that besides the rack,I'd start by checking the rack mounting bolts and bushings when the steering is turned back and forth dose the rack housing it's self move back and forth?(If so,find out why,it shouldn't!)

Next the coupler at the rack and the mini U-joints in the column shaft.Make sure the coupler is seated properly and the bolt is tight!

Remove the plastic cover from the the u-joint (just a hose clamp) and have someone move the steering wheel back and forth 3/4 inch,You should be able to see any play in it,if there is any!

If all thats good,have the alignment checked out again,Maybe a eccentric bolt in a lower control arm wasn't tightened enough and slipped or the rack is bad!~!!