Steering issue

[dillusion13]

Hi guys, I have an issue with my steering. Let me describe whats going on. If I back out of a driveway onto the street, when level with the street, my steering wheel is straight. As soon as I start driving, the steering wheel starts to turns about a 1/4 turn...all while the car continues to go straight. While on the freeway, if I hit a big dip, steering wheels also shifts, but car still goes straight. I had the rack and pinion rebuilt, have new inner and outer tie rods.....can't figure out the issue. I'm thinking the shop didn't rebuild the rack properly? Or is there something else that could affect steering like this? Oh, and its on a 92 240sx SE.

[r3v_v3ng3]

your steering wheel probably wasn't straight when you install the rack and pinion

[skydragoness]

Did you get the car aligned after doing all this? You're supposed to.

[Cone Junky]

It does just sound like a toe issue. Have the shop that installed the rack re-align.

[dillusion13]

I had my wheels aligned, but when ever it gets aligned, its relative to where the steering feels like being. As soon as I start driving, the wheel shifts. About the rack, do I uninstall it and re-install it with wheels straight?

[positron1]

You could just take the steering wheel off with the wheels straight and put it back on straight.

[The rack doctor]

Not that I would know the answer to this (he he he) but did you replace the bushings when you installed the rack ? also the steering knuckle may be off a spline and not completely tight but then your wheel wouldn’t come back on center. The inner tie rod may have blown out as well. Or lastly you could have a worn or broken tooth on the power piston in the steering gear itself.

Be well Rack doc

[krash133]

When you hit a bump and the wheel turns slightly but the car stays on course is a natural thing called bump-steer. Most cars have it and it relates to suspenion/steering geometry, not a big deal. The whole backing up/going forward thing sounds alignment related, if you haven't had one done after the work to the rack that would be a wise place to start.

[The rack doctor]

When you hit a bump and the wheel turns slightly but the car stays on course is a natural thing called bump-steer. Most cars have it and it relates to suspenion/steering geometry, not a big deal. The whole backing up/going forward thing sounds alignment related, if you haven't had one done after the work to the rack that would be a wise place to start.

I believe the term you are looking for is the Aikerman principal !!!!!!

[desertdustr]

Is there a possibility that your vehicle has the optional "rear steer" assist?