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Rack and Pinion Assembly SHOT

Old May 18, 2006 | 10:21 PM
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Snapped Rack & Pinion Assembly!

My problems never cease to amaze do they. I've attached a link to the video of what happens when turning these 37's. Remember I posted the problem with a vibrating wheel, well I found the problem. I don't see how the alignment shop could have caused this but I don't know what they touch when doing the alignment with the rack. I'm sure it was due to my own collections of abuse. As you'll see it has a clean cut right through the rack housing, there is a construction zone I'd pass through that wobbled the hell out of my truck and was not so bad on other cars. Nearly threw me into the opposing lane at times. I'm sure there is a load of grease missing as well but there are no driveway leaks so who knows when it came out. These 37's do a number on the steering (it has always whined and creaked), make sure you guys watch out for this spot as it seems to be a pretty vulnerable weakspot, might be prone to breaking with enough abuse.

If any of you have opened the steering box, do you think there is a significant risk of running like this, I cannot see the rack getting broken in two but the housing I would think is stronger, hmm. Also, if someone can get me a price on the rack and pinion I'd be very grateful. Replacing parts is depressing but it's often said to be the "giving" part of the taking. In the video you can actually see it fluctuating when steering.

I may still take the trip to Pismo as long as it doesn't get destroyed before then. I'll wrap the box in something protective so sand does not worsen the assembly's condition. Great timing.

Snapped Rack & Pinion Video
 

Last edited by Josiah; May 18, 2006 at 10:48 PM.
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Old May 18, 2006 | 11:05 PM
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Don't all reply at once :santa:
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 11:08 PM
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ouch, did you get a price yet?
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 11:11 PM
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Yikes!! JB Weld....? Alot of it.
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 11:19 PM
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holy crap dude- that doesn't look to be good- personally, i wouldn't drive around with that broken- dont wanna be at highway speeds and have something major happen ya know?
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 11:21 PM
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Thats no good.

I wonder how long its been broken or damaged, I remember seeing your tires shaking an awful lot in that one video.
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 11:29 PM
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Originally Posted by BalogUK
holy crap dude- that doesn't look to be good- personally, i wouldn't drive around with that broken- dont wanna be at highway speeds and have something major happen ya know?
I agree. I have been driving around like this for a couple days now, and it's been doing well but I'm sure it's putting extra stress on it. I hope I do not wreck, not worth living through to be out that amount of $. You get kinda tired of tearing everything down all the time if you know what I mean, especially with hand tools.

Thump, I too am not sure but I've only had the severe tire wobble (it's pretty bad) for a couple days, I noticed it right after I had my alignment done.
 
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Old May 18, 2006 | 11:51 PM
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Just my luck, it's a $500 part here. I'm going to search for a junkyard with one. I put an ebay wanted ad in.
 
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Old May 19, 2006 | 12:01 AM
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chit! what preventative measures could you have taken?
 
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Old May 19, 2006 | 12:01 AM
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Well that aint no good!
So that definately puts a damper on Pismo trip.. Or hopefully you get it fixed by then! Get-r-done!

btw can a weld fix that or no?
 
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Old May 19, 2006 | 12:02 AM
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I would NEVER drive on that. Thats a setup for a very horrible situation and I'd recommend you replace the unit or not drive the truck. Yea i hope you dont wreck either, and take out anyone else when it happens.
 
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Old May 19, 2006 | 12:04 AM
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Originally Posted by TeckBargins
Well that aint no good!
So that definately puts a damper on Pismo trip.. Or hopefully you get it fixed by then! Get-r-done!

btw can a weld fix that or no?
I'll take it to a shop and see what they can do in the morning, it's already going in for the A/C. I can always count on problems. Entrevino, there really isn't anything you can do to prevent that other than weld some support around it. At least we know of a weaklink to watch for in the truck.
 
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Old May 19, 2006 | 12:06 AM
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Do you know a dealer? What about buying on straight off a new truck and have them order a new one? I know its a very long shot, but still worth a try.

Did you ever start on you audio setup yet either?
 
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Old May 19, 2006 | 12:13 AM
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Holy Crap,
Don't drive it, please. If that would come apart you would probably take out a few by-standers. Thanks for the heads up on a weakness.
 
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Old May 19, 2006 | 12:16 AM
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what about a steering stabilizer? i might be talkin out of my ****...
 
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