Can I drive home with a "rubbing" rack and pinion?

VINNYTHEEKNIGHTED

MEMBER
2013 FORD FOCUS
AUTOMATIC
125,000 MILES

I am originally from New York and took my car to South Carolina. Before the trip I started hearing a slight rubbing/grinding on the front when I turned the wheel any direction too far (as long as I don't turn all the way it doesn't make the sound). I did notice along the way that steering was slightly harder but not by a lot and thought I'd check on this when we got back. Well, we got a nail stuck in the tire that makes the sound and a long story short at the place they told us that we should consider replacing the rack and pinion.

Now my question is, will I have to sell myself on the corner to pay for a repair/replacement before driving up to New York or can I make the drive back?

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi Vinny,

First, thanks for making me laugh. I needed it.

I hope you don't have to sell yourself. What exactly is happening? Also, what do you mean if the nail in the tire is making the noise?

As far as the rack and pinion gear is concerned, I need a little more info. Why did they recommend replacement? Also, does the steering feel the same as it did prior?

I'm trying to identify what could be rubbing to make it harder to turn. Not being there makes this a hard question to answer simply because I'm not familiar with what was found that led to their comment, and it is a steering issue that can be dangerous. I hope you understand.

Let me know as much as you can.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, April 14th, 2022 AT 9:03 PM

VINNYTHEEKNIGHTED

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Thanks for the response, Joe!

I'm glad I was able to make you laugh. What I meant to say was that the nail being on the tire is what drove us to take it to a nearby shop to get checked. They put it up to service the tire and when taking the wheel out to repair the tire they noticed the sound when you twist or turn the front wheels.

They recommended the rack and pinion replacement because the car has two new front wheels and is aligned and balanced. After everything came back good in a diagnostics test and the fact that it only does it when you turn the wheel completely is why they believe it is the rack and pinion.

While the most prominent issue I have noticed is the sound, the steering wheel has gotten slightly harder to turn if anything, but I have not noticed a significant issue in drivability besides the annoying sound when I turn. This sound is only when I turn all the way one way or the other. Slight turns or straight driving don't make the sound at all. The best I can describe the sound is like a dry grind. It does not stand out as a metal-on-metal sound to me though, but I'm not well versed in mechanics.

Thanks for trying to help,
Vinny

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Thursday, April 14th, 2022 AT 9:50 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,867 POSTS

Hi Vinny, based on your description, it sounds like a dry bushing which isn't uncommon. As long as the vehicle drives well, nothing is loose, and you feel comfortable, you should be fine. The sound itself may be causing you to expect it to feel more difficult.

When you spoke with the people that recommended a new rack and pinion, did they indicate any other concerns? Also, did they try to justify why or what is causing it to need to be replaced?

Take a look through this link. You may find it helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/popping-noise

Let me know.

Joe

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Friday, April 15th, 2022 AT 6:43 PM