Gen1 liberty steering issues

guyph_01 · Post by **guyph_01** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 7:42 pm

hi guys,

For some reason i have this wired thing that happens on my liberty. When i drive, i see the steering wheel all centred but if i turn to the right, and when i put the car straight again the steering wheel is tilted and at an angle, but the car still drives straight.

When i turn left and get the car straight again, the steering wheel is straight again.

Does this mean i need a new rack or pump?

thx

AlpineRaven · Post by **AlpineRaven** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 8:44 pm

Is there a play while stationary? Could be alignment that requires to be done? Wouldnt be pump related.
Cheers
AP

Post by **TOONGA** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 9:55 pm

it really sounds like you need to check the universal coupling for the steering from what you describe it sounds like the uni has come loose

check it quickly

TOONGA

guyph_01 · Post by **guyph_01** » Sun Aug 23, 2009 11:41 pm

where is that universal coupling situated?

GOD · Post by **GOD** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 1:28 am

Sounds suss. I'd be leaning towards a very sloppy rack.

Uni joints are where there's a change in the angle of the steering column, just above the rack.

Dane.

guyph_01 · Post by **guyph_01** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 3:05 pm

yeah, its always changing. Its the second time i come across this in a Gen1 liberty. First was in a first series now its in a second. but yeah I was hoping to find out whats causing this?

Post by **Captain Obvious** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 6:03 pm

check the rubber bushes where the rack mounts to the xmember of the car! sounds like they are worn out and when you turn the rack moves.

AndrewT · Post by **AndrewT** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 7:19 pm

Just checking (further to captain's suggestion), the rack is actually mounted properly? I noticed after you collected that MY rack off me you left all the mounting brackets and bolts behind. They are still there if you want to go get them. I think Greg's manual rack may have different mounting brackets so you may need them.

guyph_01 · Post by **guyph_01** » Mon Aug 24, 2009 8:10 pm

ohhhh lol, yeah we forgot to bring a torch and didn't see much so grabbed the rad and rack. im not sure when we will headding up but yeah if you leave it in the same place the stuff were we will pick them up. thx andrew.

Sry for the incovinience. Ok i will have a look under the car tomorrow.

thx

guyph_01 · Post by **guyph_01** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 11:51 pm

hi guys,

we just bought another lib wagon g1s2 for a mate and this one too has this wierd steering problem except its worst. I didn't find anything loose or wierd on the other one i had. I will look at this new one tomorrow but could it just simply a prob with the pump. rack, lines?

thx

daza · Post by **daza** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 7:37 am

Reckon it's the rack end, get a low k rack from an Improter.
Daza.

vincentvega · Post by **vincentvega** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 9:55 am

I had this issue with mine a few years back.

Check (in order of cheapness)

Check that the uni joint (where steering column meets rack) is not loose.

Lie under the car and have someone move the steering wheel left and right. If the rack moves this is your problem.

Check tie rod ends are not stuffed.

Get the rack rebuilt.

Unfortunately step 4 was my problem. Cost me $400 for a rebuild.

daza · Post by **daza** » Fri Sep 11, 2009 10:19 am

vincentvega wrote:Cost me $400 for a rebuild.

OUCH!
I've had two Ej racks with bad rack ends,
$125 for a jap import.
But at least you know yours is as new and you'll never have to look at it again.
Daza.