What is getting ready to brake in my steering?

[clydesdale]

Well son of a bitch. It might be the joint in the engine bay. It is not that old and I am stunned and annoyed that it might be problematic again. When I rotate the joint above the flexible part there is no sound. When I grab the lower joint I can hear the creaking and there is some minor play. If I recall, don't I have to loosen the rack and move it a bit to remove this joint? I used anti-sieze on it the last time, so I hope it will come off ok. Any other hints? How do I further diagnose this thing? There is not a lot of play and the steering feels fine. It just makes an awful popping and grinding noise.

What are the odds of total failure, causing a safety issue? It does not feel like there is a lot of play. It does not feel like it is about to fall out, but the sound is awful.

[jeffnhiscars]

Being in the middle of my 4th rack swap this is all very fresh in my mind lol

You def want to get a screwdriver in linkage end split to open them up so they slide more easily. I also find removing the drivers side rack to subframe bolt and loosening the passenger side allows you to pivot the rack while keeping it stable. This typically gives you enough room to get the knuckle off.

Keep in mind that that lower bolt is an interference fit to the rack shaft so must be removed completely or you put your pinion bearings at risk. Lastly, the knuckle slides further on the the upper shaft than it does to the lower so I have found it easier to remov the lower end first (using the aforementioned patent pending rack pivot theory)

I'm about to go put my knuckle back so GL to both of us