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Weird steering problem - UCF21 LS400

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Old Jun 28, 2010 | 10:50 AM
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Default Weird steering problem - UCF21 LS400

Hi everyone,

As you might have read in another thread, I've just acquired a 1998 UCF21 LS400.

Apart from the VSC problem as outlined in another thread, there is this weird problem RE the steering..

The steering is off (alignment booked), but what's worse is that the steering wheel basically does NOTHING while I turn it to-and-fro the 12 o'clock to the 2 o'clock position. I had a random mechanic check it out, and he turned the steering wheel while I looked at the wheel, minimal movement.. Once you turn beyond that, it's rather normal.

Alignment has been checked with a piece of string as my alignment shop is fully booked. Alignment is not off by much at all.. The mechanic tried to adjust the alignment which switched the dead zone from 12-2 o'clock position to 10-12 o'clock position..

I'm totally clueless about this problem...... Please help

Cheers,
Jeff
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Old Jun 28, 2010 | 01:32 PM
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something in the suspension is worn causing play. check the rack, universal joint, and tie rod ends. also check the strut rods and ball joints for play.
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Old Jun 28, 2010 | 07:23 PM
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Car has just been inspected by my mechanic. He told me the rack mountings seemed to be loose on both sides. But as I see it the play is not so much that would cause the dead zone. And the shift of the dead zone from the 12-2 o'clock position to the 10-12 o'clock position just seems mysterious to me.. Well, it did that after the random mechanic tried to align my car with a piece of string.. Would that have something to do with the shift in the dead zone?
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Old Jun 28, 2010 | 09:07 PM
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Mechanic just reported to me that the tie-rods has a LOT of play in them, so that might explain the mysterious dead zone in the steering, and perhaps the VSC problem too? My mechanic told me the car's wheel would physically be wobbling from left to right although the steering wheel isn't..
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Old Jun 28, 2010 | 11:38 PM
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yep. if its the inner rods i'd just have the whole rack rebuilt. outers alone will be fine though
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Old Jun 29, 2010 | 02:50 AM
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Originally Posted by PureDrifter
yep. if its the inner rods i'd just have the whole rack rebuilt. outers alone will be fine though
Thx again mate for your helpful replies. Going to pick up the car now!! Fingers-crossed!!
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