Isolate my Steering/Handling Problem...

[2000sport]

Pagluy - which dealer did you go to?

 

[pagluy]

Pagluy - which dealer did you go to?

I use Mullinax Ford in Euclid/Wickliffe area, off Euclid Ave. I use them because they are close and Northcoast Lincoln closed down (closest Linc to me is Classic now - too far).

Although there is one tech there who is getting very decent at taking care of LS'.

 

[2000sport]

Nice.

I make the trek out to Nick Mayer Lincoln in Westlake (center ridge between clague and columbia)

They do a pretty good job with it. But know one has figured out this steering issue.

I'm going to try the yoke spring replacement, as well as the tie rod.

But will probably eventually end up replacing the rack.

 

[Lincoln Luebbe]

Yeah, I figure it will run around $300 for the rack and ? $300 ? for install?

Choking up that much on a "this might be the problem" repair is a little scary, LOL. But like I said I know I am just going to have to do it I think. At least that will rule out the inners and the rack...

 

[FASTLLS]

300 is a bit steep imo.. I think 200 with an alignment would be fair

 

[Lincoln Luebbe]

That is good to know, I was just estimating four hours R&R plus alignment. I usually get charged about half of the going rate so you are probably right it will be less...

 

[2000sport]

the rack isnt TOO hard to pull... I had to pull the rack out when I did the mounting bushings.

So if you do it yourself, then get a front end alignment, your probably in 350.

front end alignment = 50
rack = 291, including core on RockAuto.com

on a side note...

I HATE CLEVELAND WEATHER!

 

[pagluy]

Nice.

I make the trek out to Nick Mayer Lincoln in Westlake (center ridge between clague and columbia)

They do a pretty good job with it. But know one has figured out this steering issue.

I'm going to try the yoke spring replacement, as well as the tie rod.

But will probably eventually end up replacing the rack.

That's way too far for me, but if my LS ever breaks down on the west side I know where to go!

 

[2000sport]

I lived in Amherst when I got the LS, so it was the closest Lincoln dealer.

Now I'm out in berea, so it still isnt too far.

 

[Lincoln Luebbe]

I bought my first LS in Berea! Drove straight there bought it and drove straight back... From the Cin/Day area. Took a whole day!

 

[2000sport]

Berea's a pretty nice area...

Actually, my fiance and I just bought our first house out here (havent even moved in yet) so I will actually have a garage to work on the LS in, rather than an apartment parking lot!

 

[sancho20]

Mine was doing the same thing as yours ,it ended up being the inner tie rod,at first i though it was the steering rack so i replaced it but didnt help,It was leaking so it needed to replaced anyways.

 

[Lincoln Luebbe]

Thanks for the info, I thought the rack came with inner tie rods on it already???

 

[FASTLLS]

Some do, some don't..

Mine's leaking and will have to be replaced also..

 

[Lincoln Luebbe]

UPDATE:

So I was able to get under the car while on ramps and had someone move the streering wheel to see where the clunking/slop was coming from.

The clunking I could feel inside the rack if I put my hand on it. The shaft coming from the steering wheel and it's joints were all tight. Also it was not the outer tie rod, but I could feel the clunking on the driver's side tie rod where the shaft boot connects to the rack. So it is either the inner tie rod or the rack itself.

I want to do it all in one shot. I checked them out and the Napa rack comes with inner tie rods on it already. Thats the route I am going to go.

On a side note: not a single leak at all on anything under the LS. 82K on it and the underside of the car looks great!

 

[2000sport]

Awesome!

Keep us updated.

I just got a no front plate ticket last week, and at $122 it kinda ate up my "steering rack funds"