Ongoing power steering / rack & pinion issues

Bud54 · Oct 17, 2014

Hey all. Now that the oil leak is fixed, I've got the steering to worry about.

Ever since I bought the car nearly a year ago, we've had issues with the steering (more specifically, the rack & pinion). When we bought it, the dealer replaced the rack for us, and since then, we have had them warranty the rack THREE more times.

We are on the fourth rack, and its leaking all over and clunking again. We haven't paid for any of the racks, but I'm at my wit's end! My mechanic said he believed the constant rack issues were due to the dealer buying cheaply re-manufactured parts from Advanced Auto Parts. Does this sound like a possible cause of the constant issues to anyone?

Another thing to note is, back in April, we replaced the power steering pump, and just a few days ago, we replaced the belt with an AC Delco. Despite replacing the pump and replacing several racks, when sitting in place, the steering sounds aggravated and its tough to turn the wheel, and these racks keep going bad.

One last note...the Intermediate Steering Shaft is wearing down, but I don't see how that could be making racks go bad left and right.

Given everything I mentioned above, any ideas on why these racks keep going bad, and why my steering is tough when sitting in place?

Help is much appreciated guys :beer:

SteveL1949 · Oct 17, 2014

I once had a Honda Accord that my local guy put about 4 sets of brake rotors into to fix a vibration issue (I can't remember exactly) when the brakes were applied. He finally told me it was the tires, even though it was a brand new set of 4 tires and we swapped them every way. ....finally I took the car to a Honda dealer and they put in a set of OEM brake rotors.. BINGO.

Bottom line, sometimes with something, it really does need OEM.

...having said that... with all you've been through, I'd be telling the dealer to put me in a nice but different car for even swap and ship that sucker off to auction.

You just shouldn't have to constantly deal with a problem car.

Bud54 · Oct 18, 2014

Well first problem with a trade is that I bought from a corner dealer, and not a Certified one.

And trading in my car isn't exactly a decision I can make...I'm 18, with a part time job, have no credit score to finance, and don't have another few thousand dollars to pay off a new car.

I love my Imp I just want to get these problems out of the way.

hatzie · Oct 18, 2014

The rack and power steering pump should be replaced at the same time.
The new pump install should include a power steering filter in the return line to catch the crap the mechanic didn't bother to remove from the lines.
The rack and pump should be replaced with quality parts not Advance Auto, Auto Zone, ... cheap ass Chinese reman parts.

Some food for thought...
The most expensive AC Delco reman rack on RockAuto.com is $299 with a $100 core,
a NEW AC Delco PS pump is $100,
the pressure hose is $23,
Magnefine filters are $16 at most.

If you installed this yourself and required three free 4 wheel alignments paid for by the used car scholck, in writing, you may come out far ahead. They obviously are not fixing the problem in a manner leading to long term reliability.

Just my $0.02... :toothy3:

Ongoing power steering / rack & pinion issues

Top Contributors this Month

Recommended Communities