Hi all,

Got a bit of a problem with the steering on my Acadiane.

I was driving it today and the steering started clicking as I turned, then on a roundabout it failed completely which was a little scary. It clicked back in and works to a fashion, however there's a lot of play in it and it's really unsafe to use.

Managed to limp it to a friend's work which was nearby, but it'll need recovering.

Having looked at it, the column appears to be clamped and bolted in fine. The problem seems to be occurring inside the rack. Nice chap at ECAS won't get any reconditioned ones in for a week, he's suggested someone who can refurb my existing rack, however my van lives on the street outside my flat and leaving it sat there in pieces isn't really an option.

I was hoping to get it recovered to a garage in Warwick that might sort it, but without the part that's not really going to work.

So basically I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions that might help?

Thanks

James

Where in the country are you?

And it's not something silly like the track rod ends having fallen off the hubs?

I'm in Warwick, the van is in Kenilworth.

A couple of other people have looked at it and the consensus seems to be that the problem is the steering rack. However i'm no expert!

How would the issue with the track rod ends manifest itself? The steering still does work, but there's about half a turn of play before it catches and turns, even then it clicks and sometimes the steering wheel will turn without the wheels. It almost seems like the splines have worn down or sheared off.

My friend where the car is currently located has a vehicle ramp which he says I'm allowed to use, so it will really be a case of diagnosing it properly and getting the part now.

Cheers

James

see 2cvgb

you pinion bearing has collapsed and the balls have fallen into the rack- thats what caused the locks and when the race turns to where there is no balls the pinion jumps out the rack

wicked, got that!

so I can tell people my van's balls have dropped?

Just ordering up the parts now, so hopefully will get it fixed soon.

Cheers for your help

James