I have 2000 WS6.. which I love more than life currently

I suddenly developed a loose spot in the steering with the wheel centered. The problem was isolated to the steering rack. I ordered a new rack from Napa to fix the problem.

1. Installed new rack (included new inner tie rods)
2.Installed new outer tie rods
3.Greased outer tie rods.
4. Flushed steering fluid
5. Poured new fluid in and bleed the system

I still have a dead spot, although much smaller, but the rack makes a clunck noise when I go from side to side. This is only when the vehicle is stopped and there is no load (i.e. road forces on the tires durring driving). It seems as though there is slop in the rack and when the pinion makes contact it cluncks.

From inside the car it sounds like someone is hitting my floor board with a wrench. While listening from outside the car, with the hood up, or from under the car it definately sounds like the noise is comming from the rack.

What is going on. This is a new (reman) rack and it sounds like one that has 150k on it.

Did I miss something in my install or not adjust it correctly. Suggestions please!!!

 

Its possable i worked for NAPA in a distribution center and there was plenty of re man parts come back diffective

 

I had it happen to me on a 5.0 Mustang. Brand new NAPA rack in the box, and it was bad. Matter of fact, it was worse than the one I took out of it!

 

Sounds like the rack I just took out of my car. What I did was put the front wheels up on ramps, get under the car and have someone get in and turn the wheel. See where the noise is coming from. It sounds like you have a bad rack out of the box.