I have play in the rack and pinion on my 2003 Expedition. I have had alignment done, and everything else is tight. I also took out steering shaft, and it is tight.

I know the rack and pinion can be adjusted to take up play. I can clearly see the lock nut, but adjusting nut is hidden between rack and pinion and crossmember.

I can feel inside, and it feels like the adjusting nut is covered by a small metal cover.

Did someone else tighten their rack and pinion, and could say something about it perhaps?

Thank you.

 

Are you sure the ball joints aren't bad?
Lift up each wheel and use a pry bar or crow bar in the space of gap between the control arms and knuckle. If you lift up the pry bar and see a gap building, you will need to replace the ball joints. Do both up and lowers when you do it and on both sides when necessary.
Not uncommon to need replacements anytime after 85k.

 

Upper and lower control arms replaced both sides. Also stabilizer bar bushings and links, and also outer tie rods. Had three mechanics say its play from rack and pinion.

 

How's the inner tie rod ends ? My outers were fine but my inners have been replaced twice now in 170k miles .


-Mike

 

Thank you for all help

Inner tie rods are also fine. Even removed the boots to give an extra check, but no play in these.

Also, three mechanics confirmed play in steering rack.

The space is tight, so Im thinking about taking off outer tie rods, and taking off steering rack bolts, to make the rack looser. Hope there is enough slack in fluid lines to twist it just a little bit.