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itiejim · Alfa Arna Joined: 30 Jul 2005 Posts: 6

I've got a 25,000 mile 1.5 ie which has recently started making clicking and cluncking noises when turning the steering wheel. I've had it jacked up and when you turn the steering wheel you can't hear or feel anything wrong. However, when you turn the wheel you can feel a steady clicking- just like the pinion turning over on the rack.... There's no play in the system it just feels horrible!

I suppose it's the rack, seems strange though on a car with so few miles. Anyone got any ideas? It's a powered rack and therefore has lots of pipes and stuff- any advice on changing/repairing/getting another one- is there a grease point on them?

Could have done without this......

gritsop · Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 10:34 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Strange symptoms for a steering rack ... I would advise you to check for the strut pan bearings located in the lower part of the springs. Could be wrecked and disturb the smooth movement of the steering bars.

Hope this helps

Regards
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
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johnboy · Posted: Mon Sep 05, 2005 11:14 pm Post subject: Re: Steering rack woes - HELP!!!

HI

if it clunks when you drive only turning left or just right then its proberly your CV joint on one of the sides, not the rack.just go for a drive and listen to see if it nocks when you go go a corner.
hope this helps you

regards john
_________________
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Alfa gt jtdm blackline
1990 S2 16v veloce sleeping!
2002 ts gtv the wifes now
1997 seadoo gsx 800
1999 freestyle superjet

evanbottcher · Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 5:11 am Post subject:

Like gritsop says definitely check the strut pan bearings - when they sieze up the strut tends to rotate the spring as you turn the wheel. The spring drags jerkily around causing that clicking. You might also find that when you steer into a tight corner that your steering tends to pull in that direction for a while afterwards - this is because the spring has been wound slightly in that direction.

I think you can check this by jacking up the car and then watch the spring as the steering wheel is turned - it shouldn't turn with the strut at all.
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itiejim · Alfa Arna Joined: 30 Jul 2005 Posts: 6

OK guys, I've checked the struts as suggested- the springs aren't turning but the n/s strut bearing is definately the guilty part! Next question- any tips on changing it and where should I get the spares from?

Thanks for the help. Jim.

gritsop · Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 5:33 pm Post subject:

Hi,

You 'll need spring compressors in order to take out the spring from the strut. About the bearings it is a common part with the 164 so it is not difficult to find them at any AR parts dealer.

Regards,
_________________
Thanassis Gritsopoulos
1991 Alfa 33 1.4 IE
2001 Alfa 147 1.6 Distinctive

http://www.alfa-restoration.co.uk
Parts Shop: www.alfa-restoration.co.uk/shop