steering rod problem

[chan]

my 96 coupe has a metal grinding noise when ever i turn the steering wheel to the right
can i grease anything to stop the noise or do ihave ot get the rods replaced.
please advise
regards,
chan

[PNYXPS66]

Your issue may not be the rods themselves. If they are bad, usually you hear a popping sound when you turn the wheel hard right or left depending on which is bad. They are just a ball and socket type joint. If you are hearing a grinding noise when you turn the steering wheel, it may be your rack. Inside the steering rack is a long bar that looks like a ladder. On the end of the steering shaft is a gear that rides on the ladder. When the rungs of the ladder are worn, they will click or grind when the gear rolls over them. this is lubricated by the power steering fluid. Check that first and make sure it's full and in good condition. put a little on a rag and shine a flash light on the oil. If it has shiny flakes in it, that's metal - a BAD thing! The fluid should be pink or clear in color and have the consistency of three in one oil. If it's black or watery, drain it and fill with fresh fluid then see if you problem goes away.

The rack is a sealed unit piece; a complete rack will come with the inner tie rods. A "short rack" will come without the inner rods. Save yourself the trouble - get the long or complete rack. Also replace the outer tie rods for good measure then get an alignment.

Hope this helps and good luck.

[PNYXPS66]

The rack is located under the engine between the wheels (duh!). This project could run you about $200+; the rack about 150 -175 dollars and then the alignment about 50 dollars. This is approximate and may be different in your area.