HELP, Steering Rack Noise
 

Hello All,

I recently had a really bad drivers side exhaust manifold leak in my 2009 370z. In order to correct this, I had to remove and re-attach the header. This requires the removal of the steering column from the steering rack in order to make room for the header to be slid out. Given that my car is from 2009, the joint between splined metal shaft that comes out of the steering rack and the splined U joint collar coming from the steering column was rusted. I sprayed it heavily with WD-40 and proceeded to carefully tap the collar off of the shaft with a large screwdriver and light taps with a hammer, eventually, it came off and I proceeded with the job. After assembly, the car will now make an intermittent sound. It is a clunking sound that appears to be coming from right around the steering rack/shaft that I was messing with. It only occurs while in "Drive" and only after the car has been driven for 5 or so minutes. It usually occurs when the car is under load and only when the wheel is either straight or turned right. I've read that there is some sort of adjustment on the steering rack, maybe something with that? Attached is a Youtube video demonstrating the sound. Was hoping someone on here may have had the same problem and could give me a quick solution before I tear into it myself.



Thanks in advance,
Evan

When considering what you did the noise sounds like a rattle coming from the header touching the steering shaft. I believe that some headers have one of the pipes come very close to the shaft. Putting a load on the engine makes it move slightly therefore the header moves with it. Maybe try to have someone put a "load" on it while you listen with the hood open and your ear near the engine on left side. Or touch the steering shaft while a load is put on it. Definitely think the header pipe is now touching the steering shaft IMHO. Hope that helps out.

^what he said - I'd put my money on that.