Safety of Steering Rack on VR

[Nick4812]

Hi ... I replaced the tie rod eds and the tie rods (some call them rack ends) on my VR so there is no wear in any of those 4 ball joints ... but I still get a knocking sound if I rock the steering from left to right when the car is stationary and also sometimes when the car is being driven when pulling in and out of a parking spot or tight corner.
I think it must be wear in the rack and pinion or bushes related to it, there are no leaks and the power steering work fine.
As it is an older car that still drives and runs well I can live with the occasional knock while driving or parking ... BUT my question is ... Is this a safety issue, can and do worn rack pinions (or parts) cause steering failure or is it just a knock that has no safety issues.

Any help appreciated

Thanks ... Nick

[Darren_L]

any steering issue is potentially a safety issue, always should treat it with caution.

however, by your description, it would seem you have some rack to pinion freeplay (the knock when you rock the steering side to side). Good news is it's adjustable, and you can adjust it without removing the rack. However, I would strongly suggest that if you don't know what you are doing, then take it to a steering specialist, because if you overtension it, the rack can lock up...... It shouldn't take them more than half hour to adjust it.

[Nick4812]

Thanks for the advice