We've dropped a B18 into a '88 DX Sedan and left off the PS pump. At the same time we swapped in DA knuckles to get the bigger brakes.

Now we have a "clunk" when we turn the wheel. The clunk occurs when you turn the wheel 1/2 inch to either side and sounds like it's coming from the rack. The tie rod ends feel solid. I can push and pull on them and not reproduce the clunk. Is it just the empty power steering valve making all that noise? Can I just take it off?

I've tried tightening the adjustment nut that's supposed to take up wheel play with no improvement.

Is there a way to diagnose bad tie rod bushings?

Should I just go to the pull-a-part and look for a manual rack? Can I only use EF racks, or will a an EG, DA or DC fit?

Thanks

 

that nut should NOT be tightened all the way. With it tightened it will make it so you cannot turn without nearly breaking an arm...loosen it a little bit.

And on you your question. take a old EG/DC clutch fuild holder and get some line (about 1 foot) and then at the end put a T fitting, after that have the fitting use 2 lines to attach it to the lines on the rack where the PS lines are. next just fill the container up with PS fluid. this keeps the rack nice an lubed up so it doesnt dry out.

I would SUGGEST getting a manual rack as it is a SMARTER Idea.

 

Manual rack FTW! If you actually feel the difference between the two, you will NEVER look back!

PM me if you need one, I have a spare

 

It'll be easier to drive with a manual rack, those things are like ten thousand turns lock to lock.