Failed Rego inspection for a few minor fixable things but the one that really hurts is: Excessive free play due to wear - drivers front and rear rack end pas rear rack end (note: the inspectors are really a bit over enthusiastic here - and I actually think I am being screwed over a bit here as the steering feels very responsive) Is he referring to the tie rod and inner socket itself (not the tie rod end) or the actual racks itself or could it be just the steering gear spacer or the pinion itself or all? (Pinion /rack ends and spacer) What part of that wears out - is it the racks themselves? (I am assuming that I cannot adjust any parts here but rather have to replace them.) If I have to buy a rack must I buy new or can I buy secondhand providing it passes certain tests? What parts do I need to fix this? Is it easier cheaper to just put a new rack in or can I even do this myself with parts? (I am mechanically minded but a bit of a noobie when it comes to steering repairs, I have most tools and lots of help available) Sorry for all the questions but really need some help here getting this nightmare sorted and dont know where to begin when it comes to steering. Please guide me in the right direction. Cheers J and L
I would suggest that the logical first step would be to take your car to a known, reputable Steering Specialist for an assessment/second opinion on what(if anything)needs attention, then proceed from a position of knowledge, rather than confusion. If there are any problems with your steering components, it would be wise to attend to those ASAP(if there isn't, then a report to that end would be a valuable asset to support your next step). Good luck.:zlove:
In my past experiences, generally the rack bushes, the knuckle itself (being loose) or possibly the rubber washer in the engine bay between the rack and the firewall can wear out and cause excessive play. I'd also check your tie rod ends too. If the car has been in an accident previously I've also seen the safety attachments inside the cabin break causing the wheel to be able to be moved left and right.
drivers front and rear rack end pas rear rack end Sounds like he's talking about tie rod ends . Its what they usually check for when they hoist it up . If you have movement inside the cabin then he would have said steering column play I imagine .
Exhuberant enthusiastic inspector Thanks all - appreciate the help here The steering feels tight on the wheel as well as the steering wheel so I dont think he is referring to play in the steering column itself. He actually said it wasnt the tie rods either but the rack that connects to the tie rods? To me that means that the rack itself or the rack bush must be worn a little bit? - is that a fair assumption/ sound right to all you? Cannot believe that he got me for the back as well as the front though! I get the impression that 99% of all cars in australia would fail under this guys assessments. It must have been 0.0000000001mm out! I think chilli's advice is my best bet based on everything, so I will take it back and ask him first to see what specifically needs to be done (clarify etc) and then take it to get a second opinion at a reputable steering expert. Given that he logged this a an e- safety check, can another steering expert overide his assessment without needing a whole new pink slip or does it have to be done only through the issuer of the pink slip? I have 14 days or I have to pay for a new pink slip thats all.
Clarified - I need rack ends - where do I get these from? Went back to the inspection and spoke to the head mechanic there instead of the knob guy I spoke to earlier. He said that the problem is not the rack or the tie rods ends but the part in between (rack ends) which is the part that connects the tie rods ends to the rack - apparently there is a ball joint in them that is worn. (Thats why there is no play in the steering as such) but there is some play as the wheel goes up and down - due to the balljoint being worn. He said that he can fit the rack ends no problem in just a couple of hours if I can get the rack ends, but he is not sure whether I can get the rack ends seperate from the rack. Given they have balljoints in them surely I must be able to get these seperate! Anyone know where the best place is to can get them from? Havent asked nissan themselves as yet as they tend to have huge prices as opposed to other places. Thought it would be wiser to ask here first where the best place to source these rack end parts would be? Help here is really appreciated Cheers J and L
Yeah, you can get the inner tie rod which has the joint included from COZ. Not cheap going to cost you a few hundred for both. Link Your other option is to take it to a steering place like chili said and you'll probably find that it's a common A/M piece that they can sell and fit for you for much less than that.
Awesome - thanks for the link I will see if its a common piece with steering shops as well If anyone knows more about getting a cheaper part from steering please let me know thanks again andymac - great stuff
I had to do my left front for a r.w.c. The part cost about $120 but i have since bought a new pair for $50 off ebay as i'm guessing the right one will need doing one day. Check out ebay. I paid $60 to get my right one fitted and i reckon it would be a fairly easy job. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-REAR-R...=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27b571d49d cheers Dave
FANTASTIC - LOCATED SOME CHEAPER ONES THANKS TO YOU! May the gods bless you and sun shine on you for as long as you want. I hope you get 1000 swedish ski girls in ski boots to serve your every desire! THANKS!!!!!!!!
wow that explains why my steering wheel moves left and right...is there anything that can be done to fix it?
Saved some dollars here Full set of four - front and rear $100 in taiwan http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250877400244 http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250771765188
Are you sure it's not these that you need: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/2-OUTER-...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4cf13253f6 My Z just failed pink slip and need these replaced.
I know my one needs those inners replaced. 100% certain. the outer dont seem to have any play in them.
*Gulp* My steering wheel also moves left and right.. Interested in the fix (Though I haven't even had a look under the dash yet...)
Positive - it is the inner tie rods - confirmed with slip inspector apparently there are ones available that do not wear at all - but they are $800 each!!! I shall stick with the cheapies
They look very similar to the one I just replaced on my falcon for rego. I had the 2 inner, the 2 outer, as well as new boots fitted for Rego inspection.
