Sloppy steering

[DSM IN MN]

After having my 1995 TSi AWD for over a year now, I have probably only put 1,300 miles on it, IF that. In the short time I have driven the car; I have noticed the steering is a bit off.

I can turn the wheel a few degrees to the left or right, and the car will go nowhere. I could move it left to right and the car will stay moving "straight". I say "straight" because the car kind of likes to wander; meaning because of the steering, I have to CRANK it over to one side to try to straighten it out. By doing this though, I just have to keep turning each direction to keep it perfectly straight.

One thing that confuses me is that we had it at a shop not too long ago. It got a few new hubs and axles along with an alignment. I do not see why they would not have found a problem when they were working on the car.

Any who, my question to you guys is: What should I start looking towards replacing/rebuilding/repairing? I want this fixed before my engine is built/rebuilt and ready for some power.

Thanks for any help in advance!

 

[1983gsp]

Sounds like the rack and pinion are worn out or need adjustment.

 

[PieEyedPiper]

What were your alignment specs?

Have you been underneath to check your suspension?

 

[ACM]

This has happened to me on all 4 of our 2Gs :

There is a small pinch bolt that clamps the steering U/J to the pinion shaft, it comes loose. Clean, Loctite, and torque to spec.

4 2Gs, 130k to 200k no wear slop in any of them, but the bolt came loose every time. I had one rack blow out the seals when I lost a wheel, that's the only rack-related issue I've had. Oh - I have a 250k mile 2G outside that spent most of its life racing, that has no wear slop either.

Check that pesky bolt !

It's hidden under a wrap-around cover/boot if you have an early 2G - later cars it's exposed and in plain sight.

 

[DSM IN MN]

Sounds like the rack and pinion are worn out or need adjustment.

Thanks.

What were your alignment specs?

Have you been underneath to check your suspension?

Hell if I know. I got an alignment. I did not do it myself. So if my dad does not have the information written down somewhere, I will not be able to give you any.

I have been under the car plenty of times. I am not a mechanic however, so I would not know what to be looking for when it comes to suspension. Well, not unless something jumps out at me, hahaha.

This has happened to me on all 4 of our 2Gs :

There is a small pinch bolt that clamps the steering U/J to the pinion shaft, it comes loose. Clean, Loctite, and torque to spec.

4 2Gs, 130k to 200k no wear slop in any of them, but the bolt came loose every time. I had one rack blow out the seals when I lost a wheel, that's the only rack-related issue I've had. Oh - I have a 250k mile 2G outside that spent most of its life racing, that has no wear slop either.

Check that pesky bolt !

It's hidden under a wrap-around cover/boot if you have an early 2G - later cars it's exposed and in plain sight.

A picture of this would be better in helping me find what exactly it is you are talking about. It is an early 2g as well. (1995 Talon TSi AWD).

 

[TrevorS]

This has happened to me on all 4 of our 2Gs :

There is a small pinch bolt that clamps the steering U/J to the pinion shaft, it comes loose. Clean, Loctite, and torque to spec.

Do you happen to know if a loose pinion pinch bolt was also a frequent issue with the 1G, or was it pretty much specific to the 2G?

 

[Hesh724]

I had that exact same issue. for that you want to check axle nut. lugs nuts and teh two bolts that connect the strut to the spindle.

 

[meliketoball]

This has happened to me on all 4 of our 2Gs :

There is a small pinch bolt that clamps the steering U/J to the pinion shaft, it comes loose. Clean, Loctite, and torque to spec.

4 2Gs, 130k to 200k no wear slop in any of them, but the bolt came loose every time. I had one rack blow out the seals when I lost a wheel, that's the only rack-related issue I've had. Oh - I have a 250k mile 2G outside that spent most of its life racing, that has no wear slop either.

Check that pesky bolt !

It's hidden under a wrap-around cover/boot if you have an early 2G - later cars it's exposed and in plain sight.

I would like to know as well.