Ok guys.. Need some expert advise to try and help me figure out what is going on with my steering. Last week I had my rack and pinion replaced on my 00 Integra with a new re-manufactured rack. The new rack came with inner tie rods, so I went ahead replaced my old outer tie rods too with some new ones. Now that everything has been installed, I'm getting this bad popping when I make turns (right or left), coming to stop and when I accelarate too. I put my car jack stands and had my buddy turn the wheels so I can check to see if anything is loose. I placed my hand on the inner tie rod and noticed while he slowly turned the wheel the inner tie rod has this stutter to it. Dont know if its suppose to move freely or not ? Prior to the new rack being installed I wasn't having any problems at all with the steering. So what else can I check at this point or what could be causing the problem?

I also replaced my driver side axel so I have ruled that out.

 

The rack should move back and forth without any choppy feel. Did you get the right PS rack? Some of the civic racks have a physically smaller outer diameter where the round rubber bushing go around the rack. Did you install that axle correctly? Popping sounds while turning could be binding / worn axle joints. Sometimes coil springs can cause a weird popping noise if they are binding too.

 

I talked to the guy yesterday who sold me the rack and he said it was for an Integra, he was sure of that. Also to mention we removed the passenger side outer tie rod from the knuckle and did some test too. Once it was off the knuckle it was moving freely inward and outward, no choppy feeling. It was only choppy when it was on the knuckle. I honestly doubt its going to be my springs or axels as I wasnt having any issue at all with them prior to the new rack being installed. Think I may of just got a faulty rack .. One of my friends seems to think the inner tie rod is bad, so I'm gonna change it out. Hell at this point it wont hurt to try anything

 

Right on man, hope the new one fixes it

 

Well my friend was right, the inner tie rod was bad. The inside of it was completetly dry, it didnt have any grease in it. We put the new one on, the choppy feeling and popping sound went away. Glad I didnt have to replace my rack again !