Twisted Track Rod Gaiter/Steering Rack Problems - Advice!

[C11PRA DC]

Hi all,

As some of you know I did a subframe/suspension overhaul recently.

When the subframe was removed the steering rack was simply unbolted and the subframe lowered form underneath. I then supported the racks weight and left the track rods bolted to the hub carriers and every thing was left level.

The steering rack was then bolted back to the subframe on re-fitting. After re-fitting I checked and ensured that all gaiters were un-desturbed and un damaged. The next day it was taken for an MOT at my SEAT dealer which it passed.

Here's a picture after re-fitting with the steering rack gaiter just showing.

A couple of days later I had a 4 wheel alignment check/adjustment.

Over the last couple of weeks I noticed a metallic knocking/clonking noise from the steering rack area whilst turning the steering wheel when stationary or when turning at lowish speeds! also you can also feel it through the wheel.

I investigated this last night and noticed this distortion/twisting of the NS track rod gaiter:

Anyone an idea how this could have happened!!??? As I said it wasn't like this after re-fitting the subframe! Also whats causing the nocking? I did notice that whilst turning the steering wheel the steering rack moves laterally 1-3mm within the clamp/bush an the NS.
I've checked and the clamp bolts are correctly torqued.

Help appreciated.

DC

 

[C11PRA DC]

Anyone able to help please!

Thanks,

DC

 

[toddygti]

Chances are when they done the alignment that they twisted the track rod when trying to undo the locknut, and may have even loosened the track rod from the rack but it's deffo turned as that's the only way that could have happened to the gaiter

 

[C11PRA DC]

Interesting! I will have to talk to the company that carried out the alignment checks/adjustments. If this is the case I'll be really disappointed!

DC

 

[M1KEH]

Problem will be the gaiters stick onto the rod nuts after a while. So when they twisted it to do the alignment it probably twisted the gaiter. Untwist it now yourself and see how it goes.

 

[C11PRA DC]

I took the car back to TTS (who did the Hunter alignment) and they put the car on the ramps, un-twisted the gaiter and diagnosed that the probable cause of the noises/lateral movement was the steering rack to subframe retaining bolts needed further tightening - which they did.

Thanks to TTS for their work/time today! - hopefully thats sorted it!

DC