Hey guys, I've searched and can't seem to find a definitive answer to this.

In turns (even in the canyons) I can just put the steering wheel in one place and it will hold, not returning back to the normal center position (I have to manually return the wheel to place). There is also a fair amount of play in the wheel-- about say probably 5-10 degrees before you can feel the steering.

I had it checked out by my mechanic-- he claims it's the rack. He said the play was where the pinion inserted into the rack-- the pinion would move, but the rack wouldn't during that play section of the steering wheel.

I went looking through the Honda service manual, and it talked about adjusting the rack guide. Will adjusting this fix the issue or do I need to replace the whole rack?

I'm not leaking any fluids.


Parts that are new, and known to be fine:
Inner/outer tie rods
Upper/lower ball joints
wheelbearings

 

Checked the bushings at the rack yet? If the wheel doesn't return to the same spot it was, as in when returning to center, the bushings could be suspect.
But if there's play in the wheel, just sitting still, and you already said you checked tie rods and ball joints, then I'd say the rack probably needs to be replaced. Any free play in the column going to the rack?

 

mine did the same thing, i got it aligned and it fixed it

 

I forgot to add that it's been aligned twice in the last two months--- so alignment is perfect.


no play in the column, just where it enters in the rack.

I'm not sure about the bushings; however I do have the energy suspension bushings from that kit I bought.

99% sure it's the rack, and since i'll be replacing the rack I may as well do the bushings at the same time...

I'll do that and let you know how she goes... thanks for the responses!

 

Mine does almost the same thing: it knocks when u shake the steering wheel left and right. Already have changed two remanufactured rack and pinnions - same thing. Anyone knows, is there any kind of adjustment between rack and pinnion?

Oh, about returning your steering wheel: is your car lowered? for normal operation (returning steering wheel by itself) the front end of your car has to be a little lower or even with the rear end, another words the nose of your car has to look a little bit down, back and - up.
Also check the size of your tires. Example: 195/50/15 - front, 205/50/15 - back (right)
195/50/15 - front, 195/15/15 - right (right)
205/50/15 - front, 195/50/15 - back (wrong)