duder

It takes about a whole turn of the steering wheel before the wheels start to move.
There is fluid in the P/S and doesn't make any odd noises. It feels smooth like normal. I think something is wrong with the rack.
Anyone ever seen this? I hope this is a simple fix, but I know its and RX7 so it won't be.

Thanks

ThunderSprinter

You mean you turn the steering wheel 360 degrees and the front wheels do not move at all? Something is very wrong if that is the case. I would start by checking all the physical connections along the steering column, U joints, rack mounts, tie rods, etc.

duder

Yes, its takes about a full turn of the steering wheel to get the wheels to start to turn. He said it was fine and turned into the drive way and could not steer the car.

I am waiting for him to get time off so we can get under it to check it out.
Thanks.... we''ll start with what you suggest.

Valkyrie

There's something very, very wrong with the steering system.

I would guess your rack is completely loose inside of the bushings, so it doesn't start moving the wheel until it can't physically move any further.

IRPerformance

iTrader: (41)

Something is mechanically broken. The pump only provides steering assist. It doesn't turn the actual wheels.

ptrhahn

iTrader: (9)

Sounds like maybe somethings sheared internally if the rack itself isn't moving.

duder

I went over to his house and we looked closer at the rack and sure enough I seen where the whole rack itself had been sliding back and forth. I looked under the car and could see the cause on the drivers side of the rack. There are two U shaped brackets that hold the rack to a frame. The one on the drivers side broke loose. The frame metal failed and broke about a 1/4 inch piece out allowing the bolt to slip out of the front of the frame. The other side is probably just loose.
Ended up having it towed to a body shop. They will look at it and decide if they will fix it or not.

AARRGG!