Is front-end knocking on rough roads coming from the tie rods or the steering rack? How to identify gear-rack play and end bushing wear.
Unusual noises from the front of the car on rough roads often point to a steering problem that should be fixed without delay. MSG Equipment says the first task is locating the source: the knock may come from tie rods or tie rod end ball joints rather than the rack. If the boots are intact, the rack is the likely culprit.
- Gear-rack play: tooth wear increases the gap. Tightening the guide nut can compensate at first; with heavy wear the rack must be removed and parts replaced.
- End bushing wear: the bushing that aligns the rack bar is the most common cause of knocking; check by moving the bar ends up and down.