Loose Rack

[D1JL]

I know it sounds like a fun topic.

I have been hearing a clunk sound coming from the front end.
I was able to make an inspection this morning.
I was SHOCKED!
All three bolts that hold the steering rack on were loose.
I couldn't believe it.
Never have those bolts been touched, even with all the MODs I have done.
I can not explain how they became loose.

I do not know if this was an oversight at the factory or because of the spirited driving I do.
I only mention this because it could/might happen to others.





Dave

 

[rodmoe]

Wow will def look at mine when I put the 6 point bar back on . Thanks for the psa

 

[CanadianGuy]

Got anyone mad at you lately? I know the usual is cutting the brake lines but messing with the steering could be as effective.

 

[re-rx7]

Holy crap! finger tight loose?

 

[D1JL]

Holy crap! finger tight loose?

Not even finger tight.
Backed out about 1/4 inch each.
The clunk was the rack moving up and down.





Dave

 

[Pete]

Happened to me a few months ago as well. I noticed it when I was upgrading my sway bars.

 

[CanadianGuy]

Wow. That is beyond normal. Good thing you found it before a spirited drive.

 

[rexdriver85]

Crazy find, glad you caught it! Hope it's not a trend. That would easily be recall material.

 

[re-rx7]

I may have to crawl up underneath mine and see what happening.

 

[re-rx7]

I know it sounds like a fun topic.

I have been hearing a clunk sound coming from the front end.
I was able to make an inspection this morning.
I was SHOCKED!
All three bolts that hold the steering rack on were loose.
I couldn't believe it.
Never have those bolts been touched, even with all the MODs I have done.
I can not explain how they became loose.

I do not know if this was an oversight at the factory or because of the spirited driving I do.
I only mention this because it could/might happen to others.





Dave

Pics of location?

 

[XuperXero]

I think these PSA's should be stickied.

 

[D1JL]

It is almost impossible to get a camera in there.
So for reference, here is the drawing from the Service Manual.
The Rack is mounted to the top of the "K" member by the three bolts (purple).
These are the three that were loose.

Dave

 

[FordService]

I know it sounds like a fun topic.

I have been hearing a clunk sound coming from the front end.
I was able to make an inspection this morning.
I was SHOCKED!
All three bolts that hold the steering rack on were loose.
I couldn't believe it.
Never have those bolts been touched, even with all the MODs I have done.
I can not explain how they became loose.

I do not know if this was an oversight at the factory or because of the spirited driving I do.
I only mention this because it could/might happen to others.





Dave

Were you able to get this taken care of, Dave? If you need me for anything, you know where to find me. Keep me in the loop on this.

Meagan

 

[D1JL]

Were you able to get this taken care of, Dave? If you need me for anything, you know where to find me. Keep me in the loop on this.

Meagan

Thank you for your offer.
I was able to tighten there up myself.
If mine was an isolated incident then no harm done.
I can assure you that these bolts were never touched and there was never any reason to do so.

I would be very curious to know if there are others with this same problem as this could be potentially very dangerous.




Dave

 

[FordService]

Thank you for your offer.
I was able to tighten there up myself.
If mine was an isolated incident then no harm done.
I can assure you that these bolts were never touched and there was never any reason to do so.

I would be very curious to know if there are others with this same problem as this could be potentially very dangerous.




Dave

Glad to hear you were able to take care of it. Feel free to reach out in the future if you ever need me.

Meagan

 

[RAAMaudio]

Maybe it was installed just before or just after Siesta time on the Fiesta line.

 

[rexdriver85]

Maybe it was installed just before or just after Siesta time on the Fiesta line.

Lmao. [emoji13][emoji106]

 

[D1JL]

Maybe it was installed just before or just after Siesta time on the Fiesta line.

More like DURING Siesta time.




Dave

 

[Joszer]

I know it sounds like a fun topic.

I have been hearing a clunk sound coming from the front end.
I was able to make an inspection this morning.
I was SHOCKED!
All three bolts that hold the steering rack on were loose.
I couldn't believe it.
Never have those bolts been touched, even with all the MODs I have done.
I can not explain how they became loose.

I do not know if this was an oversight at the factory or because of the spirited driving I do.
I only mention this because it could/might happen to others.





Dave

Could you describe this clunk for me? I get this loud pop sound from my front suspension everytime it gets really worked. At first I thought it was my swaybar not being preloaded when I installed it. I went back, loosened it, loaded the front suspension and torqued it down but still got the pop/clunk sound. It would only happen when the front suspension would have a strong load on it, particularly on the front left. I'm gonna jack up my car and recheck those steering rack bolts.

 

[D1JL]

Because you have altered your front suspension.
I would also check the end links as many do not get these tight enough.
The rack bolts, if loose, mostly cause sound when turning and should be more on the passenger side as there is only one bolt on that side.



Dave