2G Steering rack question

[boostedt28]

So I just got done swapping out the steering rack on a '98 GST, now I have a few questions.
1. When I turn the wheel from center to left lock, it takes 1 1/4 turns. Now when turning from center to right lock, it takes only 1 1/8 turns. Is this of concern or is it normal?

2. I measured from inner tie rod to the nut on the outer tie rod, it is around 4" on both sides, but when one wheel pointed straight (along with the steering wheel) the other side is toed way out even though the measurement is the same. How to I fix this without having a huge difference between sides?

I bought the rack from Advanced with the inner tie rods already attached. All I did was drop the old one, put the outer tie rod ends on the new one, and reinstalled. I made sure the steering wheel didn't move and everything seem to go smooth with the above exceptions. I went back and read the instructions provided and it mentioned nothing about doing anything different. I have a FSM and see nothing in there about centering it unless rebuilding it. I read the tech article here and he mentions about pulling the steering wheel and centering the rack that way, but what about the toe being way out from side to side. Can someone give me some advice on how to correct these issues, if they are even issues.

Thanks in advance.

 

[DSM Jeff]

You can check the outter tie rods to make sure they are rather equal in threads. If so then either remove the joint at the rack and turn it ever so slightly or pull the steering wheel and center it. I tried my damn hardest to center my 1g rack and ended up pulling the wheel off and putting it 1 tooth over to center it.

 

[91 Turbo Mitsu]

You haven't mentioned anything about the alignment. You must have the front aligned when you changed,remove or adjust anything in the steering. This will correct your toe issue and your steering wheel center and should also correct your lock to lock issue. If you did not touch anything else in the front take it to a shop and tell them to just do a "Toe and go".They will set the toe,center the wheel and you should be all set. keep us posted

 

[housegsx]

If you go to an alignment shop they will probably set the toe with the tie rods and the wheel will be centered, but your lock to lock will probably not be even. The best way to do it is make sure the tie rods are threaded on the same amount on both sides then recenter the steering wheel.

 

[boostedt28]

I haven't mentioned an alignment because I haven't had it done yet. I don't drive the car on a regular basis so I'm not in dire need to have it done. I understand I need to have it done before I drive the car but I had those questions first. It would suck to spent $60 on an alignment and have to spend another $60 because it isn't driving right even though the car is within spec (they don't offer warranty around here since the car is lowered almost 2"). I'm positive it will correct the toe after having it aligned, but in order to correct the toe on one side it would need to be adjusted way in and the other would barely be moved. That just doesn't seem right and I was wondering if the steering being off that 1/8 turn would bring the adjustment needed closer from side to side. This car has never been wrecked or curbed so there shouldn't be that much difference unless it's in the rack or steering. I'll try to center the rack using the tech page here and then get it aligned and see what happens. I'll post the results.

You haven't mentioned anything about the alignment. You must have the front aligned when you changed,remove or adjust anything in the steering. This will correct your toe issue and your steering wheel center and should also correct your lock to lock issue. If you did not touch anything else in the front take it to a shop and tell them to just do a "Toe and go".They will set the toe,center the wheel and you should be all set. keep us posted

 

[boostedt28]

The tie rods are threaded the same on both sides, the wheel is centered, but turn from center to each lock is different. I'll try to correct that this week, put it back together, and get it aligned. Hopefully I can get the center to lock turn the same on both sides and then hopefully it won't need a ton of toe adjustment from one side to the other.

If you go to an alignment shop they will probably set the toe with the tie rods and the wheel will be centered, but your lock to lock will probably not be even. The best way to do it is make sure the tie rods are threaded on the same amount on both sides then recenter the steering wheel.

 

[housegsx]

Don't worry about the steering wheel being straight. Count how many turns it is from lock to lock. Example, if is 3 turns go 1 1/2 turns from either lock and stop. The steering wheel probably won't be straight. Now take the steering wheel off and put it back on straight.

If you do this you will have the same amount of turns lock to lock and the alignment shop only has to touch the tie rods to set toe. Make sure your battery is disconnected the entire time you have the airbag unplugged.

 

[asexton6969]

If you take it to an alignment shop most places can tell if your rack isnt centered. If you take it to a sears shop. Have them check the alignment and print primary and secondary specs. If you did that and posted those up I could tell you whats up.