There is play in the steering rack on left side

Tiny
KOOS
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 NISSAN SENTRA
  • 1.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 293,000 MILES
Must I replace the whole steering rack or can I just get the left hand side?
Saturday, April 24th, 2021 AT 12:59 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

The steering rack has one gear in it. So, there can't be play on only one side. If you are finding movement, it is likely one of the tie rods.

If you look at pic 1 below, I highlighted the inner tie rods and circled the outer tie rods.

Safely lift the left front tire off the ground. Place your hands at 3 and 9 o'clock. Wiggle back and forth while someone watches where the play is located (the inner or outer tie rod).

The inner tie rod is inside the rubber boot, so pay attention if that is where the movement is coming from.

Once you determine which is bad, here is a link that shows in general how an outer tie rod is replaced:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/tie-rod-end-replacement

Let me know what you find. Also, if a tie rod is being replaced, the vehicle should be aligned after the work. Take a measurement from a set point to the end of the tie rod and when installing the new one, make it the same length. That will get you close.

Take care,

Joe

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Saturday, April 24th, 2021 AT 10:17 PM

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