+165,000 miles, Rack and Pinion going bad?

[krzyray]

Hi all,

I have a 2002 Toyota Solara SE (4-cylinder) automatic with +165,000 miles on it.

I just had the shocks replaced and also a hub/bearing that went bad on my front right replaced recently.

I notice while driving when I hit a certain type of bump on the street or freeway, my car will suddenly move a little bit, like it will grab and almost feels like it will move me into another lane, unless I am holding onto the steering wheel really good.

This has been like this for a couple years now, I just didn't really think anything of it. When I was getting my shocks replaced, the shop said that my Rack and Pinion is going bad. Do you think that is true? So I should get that replaced?

Thanks!

[TRD VVTi]

What did they say was "bad" about the rack?

[eyeball96]

Did u replace the strut mounts? Is the rack leaking?

[krzyray]

The shop said that the whole rack would move around and that noise comes from the rack when the steering wheel is moved.

1 strut mount (left rear) had to be replaced, because the bolt at the top got loose and damaged the mount.

I don't think the rack is leaking, I just added to it last week for the first time ever, because it was at the low cold line.

[krzyray]

Any thoughts!? Thanks.

[TRD VVTi]

If the rack isn't loose where it mounts, it needs to be replaced.

[Hajoca]

with the front wheels off ground, are you able to move steering arms/rod (connected to rack) without the wheels moving? if so, you have worn rack, or bad ball joint.

You describe bump steer condition that seems like worn suspension bushings, did the mechanic check the lower ball joint and control arm bushings?