Worn Steering Rack?

[Simon_16v]

When I reverse off my driveway and get close to full lock, there is a creaking noise which happens regardless of lock direction.

Could my steering rack be worn?

 

[JackD]

Similar to my car, interested in the fix!

 

[Simon_16v]

If it turns out to be a worn steering rack I think a diesel electric rack will be getting fitted in it's place

 

[klm182]

mine used to clunk/clunk when I turned it parked up or going slow.. had to get a new one from Renault (smi) you part exchange your old one.. you get 2 new track rods ends with the new one..

 

[mad in general]

When I reverse off my driveway and get close to full lock, there is a creaking noise which happens regardless of lock direction.

Could my steering rack be worn?

Had something similar recently, torqued up the rack mount bolts and all is well. Try that first.

 

[guysy]

Might be the rack bushes.

 

[Simon_16v]

guysy

What are the rack bushes like to replace?

 

[guysy]

I haven't done them myself, someone else might be able to let you know how easy or hard it is to do.

 

[bright]

They're a t**t to do without a lift, and only slightly less of a t**t with a lift!

 

[Simon_16v]

What do you have to remove to get to them ?

 

[GrahamS]

As said removing the rack is not fun. 4 bolts on the back of the subframe which are almost impossible to get to without dropping the subframe a fair amount.

Can be done with car on stands no problem just get it nice and high.

Think this would cover it

Remove;
top mount caps
lower gearbox mount dogbone
gearbox selector from box
those 2 rear subframe triangles
steering rack pinch bolt (just as the rack meets the steering shaft)
4 subframe bolts

Then it should drop down enough to undo the rack bolts.

As you've said though, I'd bin that and put an EPAS rack on, they have no steering bushes and bolt directly to the subframe. Loved my epas on the 182.

 

[Simon_16v]

grazo22

What things are required for changing to epas? Is it just the rack and the ecu for it?

 

[GrahamS]

Couple of little bits more than that.

If you did pas delete you'd end up doing a/c delete as well. Couple of the guys use cup alternator set up with a shorter belt. I used a renault 5 bracket which was a bit smaller.

you'd also need a power cable for the steering ECU.

I'm not aware of anyone who's done it and kept ac but there might be within here http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?687703-EPAS-on-172-Cup&highlight=Epas+172

heres my guide http://www.cliosport.net/forum/showthread.php?697202-How-to-fit-EPAS-to-a-172-182

 

[Odyssey172 Dan]

@guysy

What are the rack bushes like to replace?

I changed the bushes on my for poly bushes, its not really that hard takes about an hour to do, just access is terrible

 

[illwill]

To replace the steering rack bushes (as opposed to replacing the rack) will I need to drop the subframe to access?

And are there any specific tools that help with the access issue, like crow's feet etc.

Thanks all.

 

[sbridgey]

To replace the steering rack bushes (as opposed to replacing the rack) will I need to drop the subframe to access?

And are there any specific tools that help with the access issue, like crow's feet etc.

Thanks all.

Nope, it’s a bit of an arse but I managed to replace the steering rack on mine with a socket set and some standard spanner’s leaving the subframe in place.

 

[illwill]

Ok, thanks

 

[Ed Hodson]

I had a slight creaking issue too. I ended up replacing all front end suspension components, as well as new rack bushes before deciding that the sound must have been the rack.

Replaced the rack with a refurbed OEM item: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Renault-...2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

All good ever since and the car handles brilliantly with the complete front end refresh