Nohopeboy

I just purchased a 02' gs300 for a daily mpg car vs driving the hummer. Quick question I have is the damn the steers funny. Freeway driving is horrible. When I turn the wheel in slight curves or off ramps it doesn't go back to center it just keeps turning along with hitting bumps it jerks good aswell??



She's getting coilovers installed next week

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

The lash adjustment in the rack and pinion is too tight. Loosen it til it barely returns. If u make it too loose you will feel vibration in steering wheel, if you make it too right it will not return to center. It could also be damaged suspension parts. I RE read your post and something is damaged or worn. Don't you test drive a car before buying?

Nohopeboy

Yes I do hiwver i pucked this thing up for very cheap so the repair was worth it to me.

ls400love

iTrader: (3)

Let us know what solves your issue.

Nohopeboy

Tried the adjustment and it didn't work. Brought it in they said it needed a rack. I'll let yall know the outcome

LALEX1

iTrader: (22)

The same thing happened on my old 98 gs400. The steering wheel stopped returning to center position when I turned the wheel. Then one of the balljoints snapped.
Just a warning

Nohopeboy

They said the ball joints felt fine. Maybe I should do those aswell I guess.

Nohopeboy

Did it start returning properly after you fixed the ball joints?

marshun

if your balljoints and bushings are not in order and yoru alignment is off...your car wont return to center when coming out of a turn.

so youve got some things to inspect (start with everyones favorite, lower ball joint)

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

You said it made noise over bumps, I doubt that noise is the rack. Find the source of the noise and fix it, my bet it's the lower ball joint, then see if it works correctly, does the rack leak fluid? If not I have my doubts it's the rack. How much freeplay do you have on your steering wheel?

Nohopeboy

I have zero free play even after I loosend up the pre-tensioner. It's not hard to turn just annoying that it doesn't return. It doesn't make much noise over bumps just kind of pulls quick. Hopefully it's sorted out today. Thanks

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

Something is possibly wrong with the rack if you have zero free play with the nut all the way loose. Maybe rack is bent?

LALEX1

iTrader: (22)

Yes it did. Only thing I changed was the ball joints. the clunks over bumps disappeared and the steering went back to normal.

Nohopeboy

Well the rack replacement didn't change a thing. Replaced suspension too. Ride great on Megan's but still doesn't return to center I guess ball joints are next. Here's a pic with the Megan's in. Note the front tires are to wide so I had to lift the front until I get tires this week

Nohopeboy

No good news here. Ball joints,rack, suspension and alignment didn't change a thing ??? What's next??