Power steering problem

2000 FORD RANGER
187,000 MILES • 4.0L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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TJW4979
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Replaced steering rack, all four shocks, upper and lower ball joints, tie rods, steering bled, and had vehicle aligned.

Problem is while driving steering wheel is centered and alignment is good, turn left there is a one second delay approximately between the steering wheel and the rack turning the wheels. when straightening the turn the steering wheel stays in the ten o'clock position and drives straight until a right turn and then there is another one second delay between the steering wheel and the rack turning the vehicle wheels. after the turn the steering wheel is centered again until another left turn, in which the problem repeats itself. Does not have the problem or it is not noticeable at slow speeds under 10 mph, problem is noticeable at greater speeds. No noise or fluid leaking.
Apr 12, 2019 at 5:01 AM
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CARADIODOC
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Sounds like the steering gear is loose and is able to slide sideways. The mounting system used on your truck doesn't really lend itself to that unless the mounting bolts are loose or the rubber bushings are deteriorated or missing. Also, check if there were metal sleeves inside those bushings that remained with the old assembly and didn't get transferred to the new one.

To verify this is the cause, have a helper slowly move the steering wheel back and forth about 1/8th turn each way while you watch for movement between the steering gear and cross member.

Less common would be play in the steering couplers on the steering input shaft, but that is not likely to first occur when replacing the rack assembly.
Apr 12, 2019 at 4:29 PM
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TJW4979
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You got it, rack was moving, problem solved! Thanks
Apr 14, 2019 at 4:42 AM
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CARADIODOC
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Loose bolts? Worn bushings? Or was something broken?
Apr 14, 2019 at 7:59 PM
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TJW4979
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the 2 nuts, for the rack bolts inside the crossmember, were snugged but not tight, problem went away after tightening.
Apr 15, 2019 at 4:33 AM
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CARADIODOC
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Dandy. Happy to hear you solved it.
Apr 15, 2019 at 5:20 PM