So I just replaced my steering rack with w remanufactured one from Detroit axle. Now when driving, I noticed that my steering wheel doesn't not return to center on it's own when making a turn. Does anyone know what could cause this? My old, leaking rack returned fine. Alignment has been off for a while, even with the old rack and bad alignment it still functioned properly. Anything that could have changed on the install to cause this? Or is it a bad rack

 

Also my bleeding procedure was to fill reservoir with car off, then turn the wheel to full lock both sides, repeatedly until bubbles went away. Then topped off and did the same with the car running

 

Your bleed procedure is correct, but you may have to do it again after a run to be sure you got it all. It may just need to be run a bit to work in the new seals also. Or its your reapplication of your tie rods that may have made your alignment even more off and the wheels are fighting for square? Does it matter which direction you turn that it stays more in one direction than the other?

 

Thank you for confirming my procedure. I did center the rack before installing too. I will try bleeding again. I should note that my steering wheel does return partially, but not all the way. I am willing to bet ihave some toe in that I didnt have before. My steering wheel has been off before doing this job, so after centering the wheel i did a minor adjustment to the tie rods. Only a turn or two, but because it partially returns the steering wheel, I bet it is a tie rod adjustment at this point. Does that sound like a good bet?

I did search on other forums for possible causes, so i will probably replace both outer tie rods now, one of them was very stubborn coming off and going back on. The other went on like butter. Either way, I'll replace both and get it aligned and then report back.

 

If the tie rod adjustment doesn't do it, then the steering gear preload may be set too high and preventing it from returning. I'd try the alignment first before messing with the preload though.

 

Is that adjusted on the rack itself ? Ie the new rack had a different setting than the old

 

Also yes ive just noticed the steering wheel has less return when turning left. Right returns easier/a bit more

 

+1 on getting a professional alignment first to see if that resolves the issue. You may want to replace that one stubborn outer tie rod before having the alignment done.

The pinion preload is adusted by the large hex adjuster inside a graduated ring on the pinion housing of the steering rack. If the alignment doesn't resolve the poor centering, you could try turning the hex adjuster counter-clockwise one graduation at a time until the centering is better. If you go too far, there will be on-center play in the steering wheel. But I'm with nilanium, you really should have a proper alignment before you even think about adjusting the pinion preload.

Cheers,

Don

 

Right, the only thing about doing the alignment is if it soesndo resolve it, the parts to adjust will cause another alignment to be needed when finished. Kinda like watching money blow away in the wind !

 

That's why I suggested replacing the stubborn tie rod end first. Do you suspect any suspension bushings are shot? The lower control arm bushings have a particularly significant effect on steering.

 

yes i'll do bith sides. I will start with the variables I know changed during the install! Thank you Don b

 

Update alignment fixed the issue. Now to resolve the vibration/hum I have on the left side. Im guessing wheel bearing since the noise disappears when I turn right