should this have play

[dakota1820]

When I had my 04 civic vp lon jack stands. I was checking suspension pieces for play as ive had a moderate clunk on slow sharp bumps.
I noticed that where the inner tie rods meet in the center of the rack that whole piece wiggles up and down. Is this normal?
[IMG]http://i41.tinypic.com/nzn1bm.jpg[/IMG

Its the center piece between the two bellows boots

Topic

[Jane]

I want to say first I don’t deal with Honda’s. But I know this the free play on this rack is unacceptable and possibly dangerous.

[dakota1820]

Well it can’t be to tight can it? Because it has to move?

[Jane]

Free play on the track rod ends up to 1/64th. Rack, 1/32. MAXIMUM
Looks like you have a worn or damaged rack…

Jane

Attachments:

• SteeringrackCivic.png

[dakota1820]

I’m not sure what the track rod is. And what’s the correct way to measure the amount of play? Front lifted off the ground or while on the ground.

[Jane]

Steering rods: connect to the steering rack. The steering rod ends are the part attached to the rack. Trackrod ends are the part on the other outer end used to adjust the steering toe in or out attached to the steering knuckle at the wheels.

Sit the car on a ramp get a pal to move the wheel slowly left a bit and hold. Looking on the right steering track rod end you look for any play in the linkages the wheel should move after less than 1/64 movement of the Trackrod end before the wheel starts to turn. the same on the other side. this is the same procedure for Steering rod ends at the rack this is more difficult to see but it can be done. Excessive free play has caused accidents where people have been killed as the steering fell apart.
Be safe. Be sure of your steering!
Jane 😉

[dakota1820]

There is no play in the outer or inner tie Rods. The only thing that moves is that center piece the tie rods bolt to. It moves up and down. The steering wheel turns fine no excessive turning requires the car is quite agile and drives fine. It’s just the slight clunk on sharp bumps going slow and that center piece moving

[Jane]

Again this is bad news. This movement would cause the wheels to tow out and in at speed… My advice is to change the rack! This is indicative of wear.
Jane

[dakota1820]

Wouldn’t it drive weird then? It drives perfect. I pull on the wheels I get no play either….

[college man]

see if this helps.

https://www.ericthecarguy.com/faq/diagnosing-noises-in-your-car

[Jane]

Because of the Hydraulic drive you will not feel whats actually happening. Namely, a vibration coming through the steering wheel.
What happens when this fails is usually stripping the rod end(s) No steering = Danger!

[Author]

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