Squeaky steering rack

[Lusso]

Could any one suggest a cure to a very annoying squeak which i think is coming from the steering rack or assembly?

The noise only appears when the engine is hot after driving for say 30mins, when the steering wheel is turned a squeak appears, similarly when stationary and the s/wheel is turned then the squeak appears. Leave the car to cool and no squeak.

The rack was replaced about 1k miles ago and i have sprayed copious amounts of WD40 around but alas no joy; perhaps i have a mouse nest!

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated

[David Oslo]

Last summer had a squeak when turning the steering wheel, also a "sticky" feeling, i.e. poor self-centering.

First I pulled the rack and changed the bronze bush on the one end and adjusted the pinion backlash etc. Also checked and adjusted the balljoints on the rack inner joints, and on the suspension. But still squeek and sticky.

Then I changed the U/J's on the steering column. Still squeek and sticky.

Then finally I figured out that the black rubber / polyeurethane (Elastolan) had swelled up in the humid summer and was over-tight on the steering column. I pulled out the upper column and carefully sanded the inside of the 'rubber' bushes until I had a squeakless system.

And as a benefit of the entire service I also have no slack in the U/J's, balljoints or rack :D

[Lusso]

Thanks ill certainly give it a try, is it difficult to remove the top section of the steering column?

[David Oslo]

Quite simple nuts and bolts job. One clamp at the upper U/J. Two bolts on the upper column support. A screw to get off the indicator stalk cover. Then disconnect the bullets from the multi-connector on the harness. (All this from memory, so please consult the manual to be sure).

But starting backwards, the simplest thing to do is disconnect the clamp on the upper U/J so that the wheel is disconnected from the rack, and then you will know if you have swollen and sticky rubber bushes or not. If the wheel rotates fine then there would be no need to pull the column from the car. Problem would be elsewhere.

[Lusso]

Many thanks

[vee eight]

I also have been suffering with a squeak, creak and stiffness from the steering.
After taking out the upper column and testing the operation, it was working fine and not binding.
So this week I have dismantled all of the steering components from the car and it turned out that the lower U/J on the lower shaft where it connects to the rack was seized and would hardly move.
So if it is not the upper column, try the U/J's top and bottom, rack or top and bottom ball joints.
Hope this helps.
Phil

[Lusso]

Thanks for your input