With the engine running the steering wheel has a very noticeable knock when rotated back and forth 1/8-1/4 turn, either quickly or slowly. Not only is it heard but is also felt (such as a very strong detent). The detent feeling is strong enough that I have safety concerns of either steering lock-up or breakage if allowed to go too much longer unchecked. With the engine off there is still a slight knock but no detent feeling. Under either condition no "slop" is felt in the steering.

Checking from outside the vehicle the knock is most noticable when touching the tierods (tierod ends check ok) and steering shaft so it almost assuredly is within the rack. The vehicle has just over 80k miles and the P/S fluid looks to be a med-dark grey (possible rack or pump wear). What I'm hoping to find out is if this is a common problem and might there be an outside chance it's as easy as an on-car "lash" type adjustment? Also, is there any possibility of it being a pump and not a failing rack causing the bump (detent feeling)? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Gettng too cold outside to do wasted work...Brrrrrrrr! ;-)

Thanks,
Ej

 

sounds to me like it might be a pump, but I'd hate to tell you that and it not be your problem.
I owned my 97 escort for 4-1/2 years (from 50k-112k miles)never had a problem with anything, only thing I ever replaced(besides brakes/tune-up parts) were the outer tierods.
For more help and a better response become a member here>> Ford Escort Owners Association

Good Luck


oh~ and if you like that sight, buy my stickers. They are at the top of the for sale forum
I'm running a christmas special

 

Thanks for the reply b_rad customs.

I worked as a tech/shop foreman with Mitsubish for 12 years and can you believe not once did we ever see a failed pump! Overhauled many a rack but never a pump. Your suggestion as to it possibly being a pump is spot on as pertaining to the "bump" feel. It IS the same exact feel that one gets when a pump is cavitating or when you are initially charging a newly o-hauled rack. The only thing that stumps me is the fact that it seems to only do it in the first 1/8-1/4 turn, is not associated with any growling or whining, and, that dern backlash sounding slight knock (with no backlash present).

You know how it is, always hoping for that one person to say "Yeah, that was always a problem with that model/year, it's the..." ;-)

Appreciate the input and the pointer to the other group, will drop in there!

Ej