C5 x7 juddery after new rack

[Agour]

Hi!

I just had the steering rack replaced on my c5, but it now gets juddery/vibrating through steering wheel at times. Almost sounds and feels like something is a bit loose.

Seems to happen the most when going uphill and around corners at about 50mph. If i take it out of gear it still happens.

I dont think its warped brakes as braking doesnt seem to cause it.

Maybe tracking is off? The garage said they sorted the tracking, but im not sure...

Thanks!

[GiveMeABreak]

Make sure you got the correct rack designed for your vehicle. There are 2 types, each with a different steering angle.... Yours is the 180 degree not the 184 degree. But I would definitely get the tracking check again.

[Agour]

Make sure you got the correct rack designed for your vehicle. There are 2 types, each with a different steering angle.... Yours is the 180 degree not the 184 degree. But I would definitely get the tracking check again.

Any idea how I could check?

I bought the rack from a specialist.. So they should have got it right

Edit: i guess they would notice when tracking it as they wouldnt be able to set it right?

[GiveMeABreak]

There's no way for me to check what you have I'm afraid. Only from the Citroen part number of the rack.

[Sloppysod]

Make sure you got the correct rack designed for your vehicle. There are 2 types, each with a different steering angle.... Yours is the 180 degree not the 184 degree. But I would definitely get the tracking check again.

Any idea how I could check?

I bought the rack from a specialist.. So they should have got it right

Edit: i guess they would notice when tracking it as they wouldnt be able to set it right?

I agree with Marc, as a result of personal experience, I had two racks from Auotsteer in Chester, the first was so tight it would not self center, the 2nd (the one I still have in my Garage loft) looks right, but if you try to adjust the tracking you either have the steering wheel about 20 degrees of center or only 1 or 2 threads catching on the trackrod ends - dangerous. I managed to get a refund and bought another one from someone else. I can't sell on the 'spare' rack as I am not sure what it is, it could be a mix or both types.

[Agour]

Make sure you got the correct rack designed for your vehicle. There are 2 types, each with a different steering angle.... Yours is the 180 degree not the 184 degree. But I would definitely get the tracking check again.

Any idea how I could check?

I bought the rack from a specialist.. So they should have got it right

Edit: i guess they would notice when tracking it as they wouldnt be able to set it right?

I agree with Marc, as a result of personal experience, I had two racks from Auotsteer in Chester, the first was so tight it would not self center, the 2nd (the one I still have in my Garage loft) looks right, but if you try to adjust the tracking you either have the steering wheel about 20 degrees of center or only 1 or 2 threads catching on the trackrod ends - dangerous. I managed to get a refund and bought another one from someone else. I can't sell on the 'spare' rack as I am not sure what it is, it could be a mix or both types.

Oh damn, that sounds like it would have been a nightmare!

I'll ring the supplier on monday and ask if they have a record of the exact part number fitted..

Strangely the problem seems to be intermittent. I drove the exact same roads yesterday evening. Same speeds, revs, etc.. And not a whisper of a problem.

Which makes me think its less likely a tracking issue? I would have thought a tracking issue would always be there.. But i guess i might be wrong

[Hell Razor5543]

I would slowly turn the steering from lock to lock several time (at least ten times to each lock), making certain NOT to stop when you hit the lock but 'bounce back' the other way (leaving it on a lock can stress the steering pump). If there is any air in the system that should get it moved back to the reservoir, where it can then escape back to atmosphere.

[Sloppysod]

Yes it was a nightmare, from September to December in the cold - changed the rack 3 times.
Anyways, responding to James (Hellraiser) bleeding the system of air is definitely an option, however, after doing that a couple of times, I still had Air bubbles in the reservoir. So after some research, I tried the positive pressure method.
Using an old resevior cap and a bicyclepump, I applied a slight pressure to the system, 2-3 psi, not sure why, placebo effect,,but this helped remove the bubbles.

But, I would also look at the fastenings that were removed / refitted during you rack change, especially rack mountings and o/s/f leg bolts that pair witg a captive nut inside the suspension.
Or a loose wheel?

Going round both corners or just left of right ones?

[Agour]

Thanks. I tried bleeding the system.. Will see if it helps!

I havent noticed it in a few days, albeit I barely have driven the car.

Wheels were tight.. Not hsd chance to check bolts underneath. 2 hour drive tomorrow so will see if the problem resurfaces!

[Agour]

Could it have been caused by low oil levels?

My car just binged low oil. It took 1l to hit to minimum marker on the dipstick! Probably needs another half liter to get it up to level.

I got the car serviced when they did the rack.. Wouldn't have checked the oil level if the car hadn't complained!

No oil patches under the car..

[Agour]

Update:car didnt make that sensation again for the next 2 weeks. Just had it tracked and it was out. Hopefully something that'll remain a mystery and never come back..