gah! sounds like the consensus is rack replacement. any ideas on sourcing one? also guessing its not dangerous for me to drive around on it until it's fixed...?

 

bump for any more tips on replacing the steering rack before i go ahead and f@#k it up?!

 

I saw something similar to this a few years back from a similar hit on the track. While it very may be the rack you may have just whacked the rack guide. Put the wheels pointing straight ahead. Put a strip of masking tape through the center of the steering hub to the 12 o'clock position on the outer diameter of the wheel itself. Use the right edge of the tape....straight line up and down. Now have someone watch the tires as you move the wheel with the car running. Measure how far you can turn the wheel left to right (on the outer diameter of the wheel) using the edge of the tape on this diameter as your reference. It should be between 0 and .380" . OK....if you followed this far and exceed .380" then your rack guide adjustment is out from the hit. If you are below .380" then you need a new rack. If it's out (above) it is easy for the dealer to fix (I hate the dealer but the adjustment requires a special tool).
Utah

 

make sure you center your steering wheel before doing anything it has a clock spring if you spin it and forget to put it back you'll possibly break it on your first time going to lock in that direction. but if you are not mechanically inclined or have access to a bunch of tool required to do the job I wouldn't attempt it. it is a fairly big job

I wouldn't worry about it being to dangerous to drive on for a little while to get the funds together to replace it.

 

thanks for all the input here, guys. i'm gonna run some of the test that have been recommended in order to better diagnose the issue. also just found a used rack localy at a pretty good price which i might end up buying. i've never replaced a steering rack but have done some fairly big jobs and consider myself mechanically inclined. hoping i can get it worked out myself...

 

well, jacking up the front end and turning the wheel was very revealing. turned easily to the left and had resistance all the way to the right. looks like it's time to learn how to replace a steering rack!

 

On two different cars, this always turned out to be an alignment issue. Also interestingly, when my car sits on a sidewalk parked and barley tap the steering wheel it shakes non stop. I laugh sometimes but doesn't ever do it on straight flat road.

 

The large worm gear in the rack is bent.

I have had great success straighting the racks if you wanna ship it.

 

actually just found a great local deal on a used rack for $125 so I'll be swapping it in soon. fingers crossed .

 

Let us know how it goes! Hope it's a simple R&R to fix it