Steering Issues – Rack / Suspension ??

[coultl]

Hi All,

I have a 1998 Saab 900 with an annoying and potentially dangerous problem. The steering is becoming off center on its own. That is, one day the car will go straight with the wheel straight ahead and a few days later I will notice that the steering wheel needs to be 15 degrees (wayyy off) right or left for the car to go straight. I replaced every front control arm, shocks, and tie rod ends about a year ago and the problem started to happen about 6 months ago. I have checked and rechecked everything is tight and installed correctly. I notice a very slight and probably normal clunk when shimmying the steering wheel back and forth with the car not moving. I checked and there appears to be no firewall cracks (LHD car) and the steering rack bushings are in good shape. I have also aligned the car a few times.

I would greatly appreciate any ideas on where to look next. The car can’t be trusted with a problem like this but I have run out of ideas. Could it be an internal rack problem? Thanks again.

[Jays900s]

a good allignmeent should do the trick until them take a look at the tie rod and steering arm adjuster ensure the two 1/2 screws are tight

[jonnyfgroove]

Jay, please read the post if you are going to reply.

I had to replace the steering rack on my car because it was spewing p/s fluid. It didn't have any effect on the steering like you are describing though. That is scary!

[earthworm]

This does sound to be a worn out steering rack - originally I thought the rack mounts were loose or shot....

As written, its seems as if the entire rack is shifting position..