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On our SpecE30 the steering wheel occasionally and suddenly (like during an on track session) get’s out of alignment even though the car still tracks straights and there is no toe change (as measured with toe plates).
This thread got me thinking about the rack physically skipping teeth. As far as I know our rack is original and has never been serviced or replaced.
Have other people experienced something similar? is adjusting that bushing preload possible on old rack?
Make sure its not slipping from side to side in its mounts. My Alfa Romeo Milano used to do this. New mount bushings cured this problem. The only way to check for the rack moving is on the ground. So, you’ll have to position yourself so you can see the rack and pinion. Then have a friend crank the wheel from side to side HARD. (You know… racing stresses.) Your rack shouldn’t move but a eighth inch or less.
I doubt that’s it as I’ve had the rack loosened up & retightened (during oil pan replacement) with no change in this behavior.
I would check the splined shaft connections on the steering knuckle. There are 2 of them, one on the input shaft to the rack and the other is at the end of the steering column.
Ed
I heard about some adjustment screw/bolt that regulates the pressure in the rack. I think that was on an E36 rack. Not sure about ours.
We had this problem on our LeMons Celica and just replaced the rack.
Btw, I have a stock rack (only a few years old) if you can’t salvage yours.