I'll make it short and sweet. 1992 Civic Hatch. Seal on the rack and pinion came out and pushed all the grease out. Pulled motor, replaced Rack and Pinion (MANUAL), replaced motor, 4 brand new tires, alignment, drove it for a couple months and the driver side front tire was worn completely.

Took it to a reputable shop, owner noticed the wheel bearings had a lot of play in them, suggested new spindles. Got spindles off a 94 Integra, put new pads and rotors on them. Called my local tire shop to order a tire, no longer available. Waited about a month and got it on tirerack.

Now, the owner of the shop put the tire on and got ready to align it. Said the rack and pinion is shifting side to side when they turn the wheel, also said the lower control arm bushings are worn as well. Ordered Moog both LCA bushings for both sides.

As far as the rack and pinion moving side to side, what would cause this? The mounting points were tight when I installed it, but maybe they worked loose?

I'm about to call it quits and part the car out, but I'd hate to do it. It's my daily driver (60 mile trip to and from work per day).

Please give me some advice!

 

Explains the worn tire. Raise the front end and CAREFULLY inspect your rack installation job. The issue will most likely be obvious.

 

The rack I got was SLIGHTLY longer than the original. With the driver side mounting bolts on, the passenger side with the bushing was maybe 1/4 inch offset, but the rack was secure. I'll have the bushings installed and see what they come up with. Thanks for the response!!

 

Sounds like the wrong rack may have been installed.