I recently has my 99 9-3 Base in the shop to tighten up the nuts and bolts on the front subframe brace, rear sway bar and steering rack as it felt I was steering a dump truck w/o power steering. Eventually after a week the steering felt really tight and responsive and the car was fantastic to drive. Ove the course of a month or two, the steering has however loosened to the point where the car is not as responsive and not as confidence inspiring.

I purchased a new steering rack clamp from CK Paden (great guy-great service) a while back over fears that the rubber strip in the clamp might wear out. It has not. I am now thinking that the problem might be solved by installing my new clamp, but then again I was thinking the SAAB mechanic may have damaged the threads on the nuts and bolts.

Bottom line is that I am not sure how to regain that really tight responsive feel. Should I order new nuts and bolts and replace the clamp. I suppose the overtightening could have damaged the rubber strip in the clamp which is the original one I bought over two years ago- very durable. I am running 17's w Pirelli P Zero Neros and the car is fast and secure thanks to the CK Paden's and Talieferro aftermarket parts. I often think about getting a newer stiffer car but GM does not respect the Euro-centric driver who prefers a hatch to a wagon and frankly the new A-3 if it were a little larger would grab me more than the Sport-Combi but i digress.

Has anyone ever addressed a fix to a loosening steering rack. Should I go to home depot and buy a wratchet set and do it myself. What size wrench do I need to buy? It will probably be days before I get into the SAAB dealer.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. Tend to think the nuts may be working themselves looses on the bolts.

posted by 70.242.156...

• Re: MP Steering Rack Adjustments, Woonsocket, Sat, 12 Nov 2005 06:06:26 <-- Viewing This Message
  • EXACT same thing with mine...no reply from MP...., AlexA, Sat, 12 Nov 2005 07:47:20
    • Re: EXACT same thing with mine...no reply from MP...., Woonsocket, Sat, 12 Nov 2005 08:25:35
      • loctite . . ., Czar, Sat, 12 Nov 2005 09:13:28
        • Re: Looser steering response, Woonsocket, Sat, 12 Nov 2005 13:23:57
        • you have increased loads, check these things out, Dean, Sat, 12 Nov 2005 09:50:35
          • Re: you have increased loads, check these things out, Woonsocket, Sat, 12 Nov 2005 10:09:46
            • KiC Steering Rack Brace, Brooks G, Sat, 12 Nov 2005 13:57:44
          • I can see my rack moving in the clamp and it make noise, AlexA, Sat, 12 Nov 2005 10:05:14
            • Re: SAAB Mechanic unable to diagnose, Woonsocket, Sat, 12 Nov 2005 15:49:53
              • Maybe we should look at the other side clamp, Giovanni, Sun, 13 Nov 2005 00:06:30
                • Re: Maybe we should look at the other side clamp, Woonsocket, Sun, 13 Nov 2005 05:35:15

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