I’ve decided to have my steering rack removed and sent to TurnOne for a rebuild. It’s a tough decision because the rack is not leaking and not making any unusual noises but for those who aren’t aware I’ve been battling with trying to get the car to drive straight for awhile now. Despite 6 different alignments at 4 different shops the car pulls right. (I can post alignment specs if anyone wants to see them)

Ive tried a different set of wheels and tires with no change, verified the brakes aren’t sticking, tried different air pressures, changed inner/outer tie rods, sway bar end links and shocks.

I’ve concluded there is most likely internal damage to the rack causing valving issues. When the rack was removed to change the balancer awhile back the passenger mounting bolt was left out and I drove around for a good awhile like that, that had to put a lot of stress on the internals.

I have some concerns with having the rack pulled and reinstalled. A local shop will be doing the work and I was wondering if anyone can give me some helpful info that I could maybe pass along to the mechanic. Once the rack is reinstalled is there some sort of relearn or sync procedure with the computer? Is there any kind of adjustment that needs to be made to the gear bearing? Maybe this is info the mechanic will know/look up or maybe something TurnOne will take car of it but I would like to know for myself. Obviously an alignment is necessary afterwards. I thought about buying a reman but my luck I would get a bad one so I’m going to go with a rebuild. The car has never been in an accident but it’s possible that when the guy from the shop was driving it he nailed a pothole or something. I would imagine an alignment would reveal something like that though.

I hate to be obsessive over this but if I can’t figure it out I’m going to part ways with the car. I bought this car for its performance and if I can’t use it for what I bought it for then what’s the point. Thanks for any help fellas!

 

Saw where you said it's not leaking, but it might help to know if it's a hydraulic or electric rack???

In any case, a bump for ya...

Nick

 

It’s a hydraulic rack

 

I may be wrong, but I don't think any C6's have an electric rack. That was a C7 and above thing.

 

Correct, all C6’s have hydraulic steering racks

 

That's probably correct; was thinking about my 2014 camaro electric steering for which I have some experience. :0(

But the bump may yet produce an answer... :0)

Thanks for the clarification.

 

Keep us posted with the results!
I know you've been chasing that pull for quite awhile.
A rack failure can cause a pull, and I've heard of it happening, but I've never actually seen it...
Good luck!

 

Thanks brother I hope it does take care of it. The one thing that keeps me coming back to a damaged rack is the fact that I drove it around for several weeks with the passenger mounting bolt missing so I’m sure that doesn’t happen too often lol. I’ll keep you guys posted.

 

I don't think one loose bolt would strain the rack, but I hope it fixes your problem.

 

Oh it definitely was. The rack only has two bolts that hold it in place. I kept hearing popping sounds and eventually got under the car to look and found that the bolt was missing. I could grab the inner tie rod and push inward and the whole left side of the rack would lift up and hit whatever is above it. It didn’t take much effort at all to do that so surely while turning and going over rough roads it was moving a lot.

 

this is weird, i was driving my buddies car yesterday and it was pulling to the right. I told him about it and he said i gave up on it and just lives with it. And that's when i thought about you, if you every got it fix. But i guess not. I think ur on to something. What the hell else can it be. First you were chasing a ticking noise now this. Hope you fix the tick.
Hope this is it.

 

lol nope still haven’t figured it out. What all did your buddy try before he gave up on his? I’ve tried just about everything so I figured it just about has to be the rack.
and yeah bro this car has really tested my nerves. I never really did get the tick figured out, it still has the same weird tick on the driver side but I’ve determined that it’s really not an issue so I try to just ignore it. Cars runs great, oil pressure is good and the oil looks clean. I’m gonna send an oil sample off for analysis soon.
These issues I’ve had might be things that an average person would overlook and never worry about but I’m pretty picky and a bit of a perfectionist so I’ve stressed like hell over these two issues. Praying that a rack rebuild solves the problem.

 

Just about everything you done. He even tried to adjust the toe in . it pulled to the right so he adjusted one tire at a time. He had nothing to lose. he turned the front tire to the left enough where it was searching. Then put back and did the same with the other side. Car never been in accident. His left risk is tired after driving it from holding pressure on it to keep it straight.
No kidding he was thinking about putting a little weight on the left side of steering wheel to counter the pull..

 

Wow sounds like he’s in the same exact boat as me… same here though, car has never been in an accident, the only thing that’s happened that could have changed something is that steering rack being messed with. I def feel his pain, constantly counter steering your car is a real pain in the ***.

 

You need a break Bro, i really hope this works out for you. If it doesn't i'll bring the beer and marshmallows for the bomb fire.

 

Haha sounds like a plan buddy!

 

Interested to hear the outcome. I had one car with slicks I drove to tracks with a lot of negative camber. You really had to pay attention driving as the tram lining could pull strong!

 

Well I’ll let you guys know the outcome. Before I have the rack pulled I’m considering going one day this coming week to an alignment shop that this one guys swears is the best there is and having them play around with it to see if they can get it to where Its acceptable. I hate to waste even more money on alignments than I already have but I think it’s worth a shot. If they can’t get it any better than it’s going straight to the shop and having the rack pulled.
I’ve read a lot of posts about this TurnOne company being a great place to have your rack sent to for a rebuild, but I guess I’m just not positive that if it’s an internal valving issue then it that’s something they can fix or if I will have to get an all new rack. I should probably give them a call and ask.

 

Skewing the caster can help.
"Pulls to the side with the least positive caster."
Skewing the camber can help.
"Pulls to the side with the least negative camber."
I'd personally choose the caster spread before the expense (and gamble) of rebuilding the rack. Maybe try 1/2* and see what happens.
Good luck!

 

Have you done a steering angle sensor reset? Makes a big difference. I have performed this with a tech 2 and also without one. I can pm you the procedure