Rack pinion and CV axles

OFFICEBOX

MEMBER
1998 ACURA CL
3.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
160,000 MILES

* Clicks when turning right and left often, but not always.

* Right cv boot torn and replaced after adding new grease.

* Left cv boot looks to be in good condition.

* Slight play in center of steering wheel.

* Steering rack boots torn, but not leaking.

* Steering rack boots' tears patched with self- fusing rubber silicone tape (1" x 10') and duck tape.

* Tread wear indicates needs front alignment.

* Slightly out of alignment, veers to right.

* Dealer can't align front with slight play in left wheel. He states there is slight play in the left steering rack and left wheel.

How can I remove the slight play in the steering wheel?

Can I add more grease to the steering rack teeth? If so, how?

Does the left CV joint need new grease? Would this help stop the clicking?

It is my goal if possible to solve these problems without replacing the steering rack, CV axles.

Please advise.

5 Replies

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Good morning,

The play may be an inner tie rod end in the steering. That is part of the rack itself.

If the CV joint is making noise already, adding grease will not fix it. The damage has already been done and it needs to be replaced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-cv-joint-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-cv-axle-joint

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-cv-axle-joint

If the boots on the rack are torn, they need to be replaced but if there is play in the rack, then the rack is no good.

From your descriptions, you need the rack and pinion replaced along with the axles.

Roy

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Sunday, August 2nd, 2020 AT 6:56 AM

OFFICEBOX

MEMBER
15 POSTS

Good morning Roy.

Thank you for your reply.

Does the clicking noise from the CV joint when turning right and left indicate one or both CV axles need work?

How do you determine if the inner tie rod end and/or rack must be replaced?

I'm in Jacksonville, Florida. I'm looking for an honest, competent, qualified technician who would do this work at a fair rate. Can you recommend a guy?

Mark

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Sunday, August 2nd, 2020 AT 8:07 AM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

When it clicks both ways, yes, it could be both sides. When one is just bad, it will click to one side only.

You will need to lift the car and then grab the wheel at the 3 and 9 o'clock position and see if there is play. If there is have someone look behind the tire for the play.

Roy

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Sunday, August 2nd, 2020 AT 8:21 AM

OFFICEBOX

MEMBER
15 POSTS

If you are turning right when it clicks, does that indicate it is the right or left CV joint?

Where on Earth are you?

Can you recommend a guy I could trust to do this work in the Jacksonville Florida/Orange Park area?

I have never done this before and could get into some complications that I would rather not.

I really appreciate your information.

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Sunday, August 2nd, 2020 AT 8:46 AM

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

You are going to need a second person to help you when you lift the car and turn the wheel to determine.

The side that the boot ripped and you replaced is definitely one that needs to be replaced.

I am in Central PA. Sorry, I have no connections in Florida.

Roy