I have a 2000 Acura integra ls and I have excessive play in my steering. I was told that if it's stiff and the fluid is black, then it needs a new rack and pinion. I was told that if it's loose then in was the tie rod ends. It's really loose but I wanted to get some advice from someone that might know for sure before I go spending money that I don't have too.

 

With the front end jacked up, shake things down and see what exactly is loose before buying a bunch of parts.

Imagine the wheel/tire like a clock face. In general, shaking side to side with your hands at 3:00 and 9:00 will show play in the outer tie rods, inner tie rods, the rack, or rack bushings.

Now shake the wheel up and down with your hands at 12:00 and 6:00. Again, in general, this will show play in the wheel bearing, lower ball joint, or upper ball joint. While shaking in either direction, check out the control arm bushings.

When you do this, if everything feels tight just move to the other side. If you feel play, have a friend shake it down so you can be underneath seeing what is loose. Put your hand on each part while your friend is shaking the wheel, it's often easier to feel the problem than it is to see it.

 

if you dont have any up and down play it is most likley your rack and pinion but id listen to sean and see if you cant diagnose the problem before you go out and buy a new rack and pinion but i bet thats what it is if its side to side slop

 

Exactly, I wouldn't be surprised at all if the rack was bad, but you might at well make sure before buying the most expensive part in the system.

If it is the rack, the new one should come with inner tie rods. While you have it apart, you might as well replace the outers, even if they seem fine.

 

thanks guys.