Replacing electronic steering gear rack and pinion

[Thats550]

So I did post before about having some issues with the mustang. It started as just a wierd feeling in the steering wheel. Then when turning It would have spots of resistances like the assistance would turn off or almost like it would get stuck. Then it got hard to pull in and out of parking spots and I started hearing funny noise when pulling in and out and turning my wheel. Eventually got to the point that I could make the turn but could return the steering wheel. I took it to the shop when I first started having the issue and they said that everything looked fine. Suspension and everything was solid. Haven't been back to the shop but I feel like it's pretty apparent it's my rack. I had a pscm since owning the car I have gotten like a few pscm codes that have popped up. One being invalid data from abs. One is invalid data from bcm, ecm. And one for invalid from pcm and just one that said control Module but I believe the last two were also a result of a dying battery that I had to get a new one. Well my question is do you guys think it's okay to buy a used rack off say like ebay or something. And hoe will I tell which one I see alot that are listed for 2015-2018 or even 19 even though they are not compatible racks right? Or I see alot that don't even see if it's from a gt or ecoobost or v6. I just want to make sure I'm getting the right one!!!

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[SHOdaddy68]

Did the shop you took it to duplicate the malfunction? Has it ever been wrecked or hit a curb? I've seen a few of these newer electric racks crack at the housing after a suspension or wheel impact. Definitely sounds like something bound up inside the rack or an interruption in the electric assist. I would recommend additional diagnostic before spending the money on a replacement. Shouldn't be too difficult to swap it out but there are re-sets and calibrations that need to be done when the swap is finished. As far as the correct part goes, better to get a new rack specifically for your application.

 

[Thats550]

I mean I went over pretty much everything I could think of. I had the car on the floor and on jacks stands. Someone turning the wheel while I'm under. I mean i checked alk suspension. Reset steering angle sensor and what not. I just got forscan to see if anything else comes up but havent had to time to scan it yet. Tbh it sound like a grinding noise almost coming from the rack when I turn the wheel. Ya I thought about taking it back I'm but I swear there just gunna say it's the rack but idk. You don't think a used one would be worth it. At less than half the price of a brand new one. New ones I seeing are like 700. As for damage I was told no accidents when I bought it at 30k it was private party sale. But from the looks of things definitely could have been some front end damage some panels were not perfect when I got the car and the crash bar is a different color lol

 

[SHOdaddy68]

I mean I went over pretty much everything I could think of. I had the car on the floor and on jacks stands. Someone turning the wheel while I'm under. I mean i checked alk suspension. Reset steering angle sensor and what not. I just got forscan to see if anything else comes up but havent had to time to scan it yet. Tbh it sound like a grinding noise almost coming from the rack when I turn the wheel. Ya I thought about taking it back I'm but I swear there just gunna say it's the rack but idk. You don't think a used one would be worth it. At less than half the price of a brand new one. New ones I seeing are like 700

Your car, your call. $700 and a warranty would be my choice. Do the new racks come with the electric assist motor too? I think they do.

 

[Thats550]

Ya looks like the new rack comes with electric motor and everything I'm it already. just needs to be recalibrate which looks like I can do on forscan. Well are these things are supposed to last the life of the car like without impact maybe? Like if I find one where the tires weren't hit maybe the rear end was with lower miles. Ya Detroit axle I found new ones for 700 I'm sure the dealer wants more than that although it cant hurt to ask

 

[SHOdaddy68]

Taking a big risk on a used rack from an unknown donor car. If there's a problem you won't know it until it's installed, connected, and calibrated. You'll never get the labor or the downtime back if you install a bad used mechanical part. You may get lucky, you may get screwed.

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