I have a 88 Civic Sedan with what seems to be steering rack issues. The passenger side has some play in it. Looks like it isnt coming from neither the outer or inner tie rod but from the metal shaft that the inner tie rold screws into. I have pictures to better illustrate what im referring to. If the piece in question is defective is it better to have it rebuilt or should i just buy another? This would also be a good time to replace those dust boots that seems to always be on their last leg

Thanks!

 

Had the same problem in my crx. Are you rebuilding yourself? I asked the same question to my mechanic and said just buy a whole new rebuilt rack....simpler.

 

Didnt think to rebuild myself. Actually, i don't think i would have time to. So you had the same problem?

 

Ya! Not bad for a 10 year old rebuilt rack... I did track the car when it was a bit loose but now it got so bad that my steering wheel would vibrate. So, changed it. I was told that it wouldn't break but would get looser with time. And it's not good for tire wear also.

 

I don't track this Vehicle as its my daily and i spend more time with my Jeep

IM guessing the play is coming from that bushing inside the rack. Im going to get it rebuilt or by a new one. I have a laundry list of things that the Sedan needs and one of those is the rack, new engine, Rebuild a SI trans for it, Etc ETc... it never ends.

 

You should really SEARCH... if it is a manual rack it is around a $10 plastic bushing to replace. The problem will ONLY be on the passenger side. If it is a power rack then with that problem I haven't seen a rebuild kit that comes with the parts needed to fix that. Either way they are all rebuildable and you can buy remanufactured units for hundreds of dollars.

 

Yeah, i saw that and thought, ****! But yes, it is on the passenger side and its more of a up down than side to side play. I should take some video to illustrate my situation as im not too good with words

Looks like the part you are referring to is about 10 bucks but i wonder how much of a PITA it would be to change it. Ill for sure research how to rebuild it unless someone knows a link on a DIY.

thanks!

 

um, rack end bushing. look it up in the faq.

 

Did a search and found some old post with you commenting on said issue. Still not clear on how to replace it. Guess ill have to dig in and find out.

Thanks guys!

 

Remove your rack from the car and it will become obvious.