Steering wheel play after rack and pinion replacement

2006 HYUNDAI SONATA
220,000 MILES • 3.3L • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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LLOYD GROSS
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Recently got a new rack and pinion installed after replacing the power steering pump didn't fix the problem. Now the wheel has a lot of play and swerves at speeds over 30mph. Constant correction is required and bumps make the wheel jerk to the right or left. Mechanic mentioned needing an alignment as he handed it off to us or possibly new ball joint. We recently got a new front suspension and haven't noticed this problem before.
Apr 20, 2022 at 5:35 PM
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KASEKENNY
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An alignment issue is not going to cause the vehicle to have loose steering and swerving causing constant correction.

Sounds like they put the rack in and never test drove the vehicle after. This means they either left something loose and the rack is shifting around, or the rack is faulty.

So, we need to start the engine and lay in front of it and turn the wheel back and forth and see if there is any movement in the rack assembly. There should be zero movement except for the inner and outer tie rods that move back and forth as the wheels turn.

I am attaching the steering rack view below so that you can identify it when doing this.

However, if you had this installed then I would take it back as soon as you can because no matter what you took it in for, they should not return it to you with loose steering and then tell you that it needs an alignment.

Loose steering is a safety concern so I would not drive the vehicle any more than needed.

Let me know if you have questions with this.
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Apr 21, 2022 at 8:09 AM