The rack and pinion system uses the force created by turning the steering wheel in your car to turn its wheels. Power steering adds a pump to the rack and pinion to create pressure with hydraulic fluid so that the steering wheel can be easily turned. However, there are times when difficulty comes along the way and the rack and pinion system fails for certain reasons. Problems with the rack and pinion are very serious since they can affect your ability to control your car. Thus, attention must be given thoroughly to detect these problems.
There are three basic senses that have to maneuver the detection of failed rack and pinion. First is to LOOK. Inspection must be done regularly. If you notice uneven tire wear, this could mean a problem with the steering. While there are many other things that could cause your tires to wear unevenly, a closer inspection is needed. You should also look for any leaks from your car. The location of the puddle and the color of the fluid can tell you a lot about what is actually leaking. If the fluid is a reddish color near the front wheels, it could be either automatic transmission or power steering fluid.
Second is to LISTEN. If you hear a knocking, thudding or clunking in the front part of your car, there is likely something loose. If these sounds continue, and you have noticed uneven tire wear, leaking fluids or difficulty in steering, it is likely something is loose in the rack and pinion.
Lastly is to FEEL. Your steering wheel will feel like it has a lot of backlash in it, and it will take more effort than usual to make a turn. When you do make a turn, your steering wheel may not return to the neutral position. You may also experience your car swinging involuntarily from side to side when you are traveling down a straight road. This situation may be worse in the morning and clear up over the course of the day. As a car warms up, many of its joints will loosen up as well. If you suspect a rack and pinion failure or believe something is compromising your steering, you should exercise care while driving, since your car will not react quickly to turns.
