Broken steering rack - breaking my 2.5 XM estate

[endorfin]

Ah I see.

I was driving on the A23 dual carriageway, doing in excess of 90mph as I was testing the new thermostat. The steering didn't feel responsive, at first I thought it was a strong sidewind! Basically I tried to steer and the car didn't response as it should, it turned a bit in the direction I steered but not quite.

I felt it would be dangerous to continue so pulled over & called the RAC who said broken steering rack and said it wouldn't be safe to drive. Didn't give any more information beyond that.

Unfortunately I don't have a friendly local mechanic (that I trust!) so can't get it checked properly. My brother runs a garage but thats in North Wales.

[Dieselman]

Are you sure it's not just the rubber steering column coupling torn. A broken rack would leave both wheels pointing in different directions.
What happens when you turn the steering wheel when the car is stationary?

[endorfin]

The wheels will turn.

[Dieselman]

Then the rack is OK.

[Ken Newbold]

I think you need to take a good look in there at the steering coupling. I've known racks come adrift from their mounting and of course worn inner and outer joints, but never known one break. It could happen, but I've never come across it.

[Dean]

This is almost certain to be the rubber coupling has torn, not a difficult job at all, someone might even have a spare on here they would part with for you??

D

[Dieselman]

Les Briddon (flez) made a new one from the sidewall of a tyre.

[endorfin]

Just read the RAC comments on the breakdown sheet it says:

"Steering broken knocking from steering box, do not drive"

Which doesn't really give away a lot?

[Kit]

Is this the car that had excessive and uneven tyre wear on the front wheels? If so it could be a worn bush or ball joint on the rack. But strange it was not picked up at the last MOT. I just Googled mobile mechanics in Brighton and came up with this page. My suggestion is that you ring round and see if any of them will give you a price for coming to look and show you what is wrong. At least then you can make an informed decision. You have spent a lot of time and money on that car, would be a shame to let her go.

[endorfin]

Yes its the same car that had some uneven wear. I actually took this to ATS tyres while I was in Wales to get the tracking done, they said it was 3mm out, I've no idea whether thats significant. However driving back home to Brighton after getting the tracking done something didn't feel quite right and there was a rattling noise, I don't know whether its just a coincidence that I started having problems right after getting the tracking done as I wouldn't imagine he would have had anything to do with the steering. He did use a welder to loosen up the bolts to adjust the tracking though?

I'm going to be away for the next couple of weeks but will look into mechanics when I get back.