I'm assuming the extra play on center I'm noticing is my inner tie rods, since the boots are split wide open and the outers look good (but will probably be replaced at the same time anyway, likely with R-package outers). Any thoughts, anyone else had these go bad? Tips?

Edit - Pics are DS, PS, and top of rack in that order.

 

I've been told a good test for inner tie rods is to push them up (without outers intact) and see if the arms droop. If they droop, it's time to replace, if they don't, they are still functional. If you're going to do inners, do outers at the same time to save on the alignment cost. There's probably a lash setting in the rack that may be loose, but I dunno.

 

I'm thinking more and more that those busted boots were the only thing keeping any remaining PS fluid (read: lubricant) in the rack and preventing debris from entering. I'm no expert, but I can see the teeth of the rack in the pics. Makes me think debris has been collecting and grinding down the metal inside the rack.. leading to the imprecise steering I've been feeling and causing my play-on-center I complained about.

So, what are my options here? If it's like I think, I'm guessing some sort of rebuild is out. How much do good used racks run? Help!

 

Or, maybe, there's just enough crud in there that it's all jammed between the gears and all it needs is to be taken apart and cleaned, and reinstalled with new boots...

[/stream of consciousness]

 

I would just clean it up, put new rods and boots.
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Cool, thanks for the input, I just got back with some grease and such so I can knock out the FM depower while I'm at it, debating on switching to R-package rod ends...IIRC the only difference is the kink in the R ends. Is there anything more hardcore out?

 

I think your rack is likely shot or dirty as **** if you drive that daily or have any off track excursions. My boots were mangled and all the **** that got in there actually started to make my rack bind LOL. Scary **** when you are sliding along a wall and need the steering to work..

 

Indeed. I'm going to pull it apart and clean the pieces, and see what they look like. If they're gone, then I'll get another rack and consider this one "practice". I think I've seen racks come up fs on RD pretty often so I'm going to keep an eye out.

 

I replaced mine last week and it was pretty easy, but those rusted nuts were a PITA!

 

Keep us updated; I'm in the same boat.

 

Ok, I'll document my findings and keep you informed. How bad is the play in your wheel?

Also, I've just ordered the R package ends and urethane rack bushings. w00t, hope there's a noticeable difference.

 

Which bushings did you get? Do Energy Suspension offer poly bushings for the rack?

 

Did my inner and outers about a year ago. Those little lock washers are kind of a bitch. Driving it to the alignment shop afterwards on the highway was interesting...

 

I just did all this to my stock 96. That was a pain in the ***. I ended up replacing the inner and outer tie rod ends and both the ball joints. I went with an ebay special for the tie rods and the lower ball joints. The uppers I ordered from Planet miata since its all part of the upper control arm. I figured i might as well take care of it all while I was in there.

 

FM sells them, I think they are "superpro" or something.

Which lock washers, the jam nuts?

 

He's probably talking about the washers that go between the inner tie rods and the steering rack. You bend them over to keep the ITR from spinning.

 

Maybe 5* either direction of near-dead zone.

 

To avoid this, count the number of turns it takes to remove the end from the rod. Install new piece opposite of removal. If it's not right, it'll at least be close for the drive to the alignment.

 

Yup, I am definitely going to try to install the new ends in the same location.

Just got the rack out, the old ends are toast, but the inners *seem* fine. They can hold the ends up in the air indefinitely, I'm guessing that's a good thing. It looks like the rack itself took the brunt of the split boots. There's some gunk in there, time to see what it looks like on the inside..

Took some pics:

 

See what the steering gear looked like below.. pretty bad. I did my best to clean it all up, inside and out, to get rid of the grit and old grease. Removed the PS seal while I was at it, and reassembled with liberal amounts of grease. If, when it's all back together it still has slop, I have a lead on another used rack.

Hopefully I'll have good news for you Atl93LE, I'm waiting for the new rod ends to come in before I can reassemble the car.