Off center steering-Bushings?

[FDR Dippin]

1990 Q45, probably original bushings over 100K:Recently when i go around turns, the steering wheel may or may not go back to center even after the car has regained straight line position. Also sometimes as a go around turns it feels like it slips or misses a gear or rung which makes gives the car a slight jolt.

Today i took the car in for a tire repair and had them inspect suspension and rack. The mechanic suggested he thought it was possibly the bushing(s) on the rack, as there was alot of play and was visibly worn as another guy sat in the car and turned the wheel back and forth. The rack has about 3yr M1 ATF in there and otherwise doesn't pull or whine. Does this sound like the bushings could cause the steering to be off center or would that be internal?

[Q451990]

These bushings are not internal to the rack, and have nothing to do with the frequency of fluid changes. You don't need to replace the back, since they're just the bushings that fit around the rack to isolate the outside case of the rack from the chasis and retaining clamps. Replace them if they're worn and you should be good to go. Part of the routine suspension rubber replacement needed to keep the car's suspension in nearly-new condition.

While it's being done, you should have the u-joint that connects the steering column to the rack inspected for binding and notchiness, and you might as well replace the tie rod ends and rubber bellows that covers them.

Heath

[FDR Dippin]

Thanks Heath,So have you done these before? How hard is it, and what's needed to do the job so i can weigh doing it myself. Local shop told me 1 hr labor which is like $70, what you think?

[Q451990]

I've done the job twice on jack stands. Figuring out that I needed to disconnect the rack from the steering column made a huge difference. It's not a bad job at all. One hour's labor sounds reasonable.

Heath

[maxnix]

It's trivial on a lift. Buy time on one if you have to.

Then get an alignment, presuming all the other worn rubber on the fornt end is up to as new specifications.