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2002 Ford Escort steering rack & pinion question
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edt71
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Feb 9, 2014, 2:42 AM
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2002 Ford Escort steering rack & pinion question
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Ok guys, I posted couple a months back on steering leak. I went ahead and just replaced rack & pinion. and the leak went away. (phew) Anyways Ive been having problems way before the leak and heard poping sounds when hitting potholes and bumps. So I changed everything, lower ball joints, tie rod ends, struts, cv-axles, sway bar mountings to lower arm. And I still would get a pop sound when turning and hitting a bump or pothole. Had top engine rebuilt and mechanic said he thinks the noise is the R&P mounts are worn. (that was further back 2 years ago) So during that time I changed the mounts with some auto zone version. (It still had the popping sound) So I just drove around with the noise.
Years later, took car to get wheel aligned and the mechanic also said its due to the R&P mounts and wanted literally to charge me $375 for specifically changing these mounts (this does not include the other charges for alignment) So I assumed they were simply gonna replace the R&P. Well not wanting to pay this amount, I went out and bought some "Moog" R&P mounts and rechanged them. (the one I had installed did look cut up) and didn't return the car for alignment, since the later, the biggest problems was the steering leakage.
Well...changed out R&P and now it makes popping noise all over again.
My question is....has anyone here had experience with this model car R&P mounts? Is there a certain way to install them? The Allldata DIY site with the shop manual doesn't explain much on my issue. Just steps and a couple of diagrams. When I installed it I made sure I really tightened the bolts.
If this really is the fault...then this is a Sh!tty design for holding a R&P with two metal straps squezing a rubber mount. I can remember My ford Aerostar having two large bolts go thru a rubber mount on two holes of the R&P. (which I feel is an easier design)
By the way, I did jack up car and applied a pry bar to certain areas of the R&P to see if I could get some movement or play. None whatsoever. But then I realized I did this with the wheels hanging and no pressure on them. Should I have done this procedure with full weight on wheels? (such as using using those drive up ramps) Any tips or help appreciated.
(This post was edited by edt71 on Feb 9, 2014, 2:46 AM)
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Hammer Time
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Feb 9, 2014, 6:45 AM
Post #2 of 11
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Re: 2002 Ford Escort steering rack & pinion question
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Has anyone checked the upper strut plates for binding?
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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edt71
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Feb 9, 2014, 7:43 AM
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Re: 2002 Ford Escort steering rack & pinion question
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Oooops sorry, accidentally presed the post button without writing. Im not sure what those are but I just replaced both struts. Only thing I havent checked are the lower control arm bushings and the sway bar mounts. Only reason I didnt check these is because I didnt feel any play when trying to move them around by hand (aka..grabbing hold of arm and sway bar and trying to forcefully move it back and forth trying to find any play...maybe I should have used a pry bar?)
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Hammer Time
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Feb 9, 2014, 8:19 AM
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Re: 2002 Ford Escort steering rack & pinion question
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Changing the struts alone does not change the upper strut plates unless you bought the complete unit that comes with a spring and everything.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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edt71
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Feb 9, 2014, 8:42 AM
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Re: 2002 Ford Escort steering rack & pinion question
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No, did not buy complete unit. If you mean the metal mount that goes atop the spring, how can one test to see if its binding or if there is something wrong with it?
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Hammer Time
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Feb 9, 2014, 8:45 AM
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Re: 2002 Ford Escort steering rack & pinion question
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We check them by putting our fingers up in that area on the spring and feeling for vibration when the wheels are being turned and the noise is occurring.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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edt71
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Feb 9, 2014, 8:56 AM
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Re: 2002 Ford Escort steering rack & pinion question
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So how is this method done? Could I get someone to turn wheels while I feel around for any popping vibrations. Or does this require more than just stationary tests (car not moving)
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Discretesignals
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Feb 9, 2014, 11:46 AM
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Re: 2002 Ford Escort steering rack & pinion question
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Beside that, never heard of motor mounts causing popping noises when turning the steering wheel. HT, is probably got you on the right track.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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edt71
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Feb 9, 2014, 1:13 PM
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Thanks guys will have to do this check. So basically if I find that it is the plate...just replace the plate...right?
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Hammer Time
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Feb 9, 2014, 4:23 PM
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Re: 2002 Ford Escort steering rack & pinion question
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Yes
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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