So, the steering system on my car is whack. I had the car aligned not too long ago, and ever since then there has been a weird issue thatI can not figure out. Picture the wheel in relation to the direction of the tires. Always straight, right? I mean, it is in line with the tires. Well, my steering wheel can get off center based on the type of driving. I turned right onto a busy street this morning, and the wheel, once going straight down the road, was very off center. It then corrected itself later on down the road. It feels as though something in the steering box is not tight. Any advice, or ideas would be helpful. Don't feel like getting ripped at my dealer, so I just want to have a little heads up. Thanks.

 

I sometimes had a similar hard to describe sensation while steering on the highway
before I replaced my vertical link ball joints.

 

Sounds like maybe the rack is going?

 

It is the steering rack from my knowledge.

 

*****, I was worried it was the rack. Should I order the parts and have the dealer put them in? Or just have them do it all? I work fora VW dealer, and know what they charge isn't cheap.

 

get it done by the dealer (the whole process)

why??

1) u have a jag
2) it will be done right
3) it is what i would do in your shoes
4) racerx is cute

 

Well, I have the Jag oem rack on order, and I will have the dealer do it. I am under the same mentality, dealers cost more because they are trained to do better work. I have worked in the auto business for 8 years, and that is something I have learned. I just don't pay retail for parts. My job gets me passes to cheaper parts. Thanks for the input. Racerx is cute?

 

Before you spend any money, while you are standing underneath the car with the mechanic, have him check the ball joints. Takes 10 seconds.

 

Well, I got the car back from my mechanic today, he says the issue is inner tie rod ends. I cannot find them anywhere. I have found a ton of outer tie rod ends, but not inners. Anyone know anything about replacing and/or are they replaceable, are they part of the rack? Thanks.

 

ROKCHEV..how did things turn out w/ your front end issues?

 

You would far better off to purchase a Lincoln LS rack. They are fairly reasonable on RockAuto. The rack comes with new inner tie rod ends. Since I was in there I would also replace the outer tie rods. Again using Lincoln LS parts.

The early S Type guys 1999-2002 have a very close sister to the Lincoln LS and can piggy back on this for much better part prices.
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Holy thread mine!! Over 3 years old!!