1995 Gallant needs new rack and pinion steering

[sarabellum]

I read the earlier post about the tie rods, and had the outer ones replaced before but now I'm getting told I need to replace the rack and pinion because it's "loose". I had the guy put the car on the rack, he pulled back and forth on the front tire and said, "Hear that? See that? You need a new rack and pinion for this baby." I don't know exactly what I'm suppose to be looking for. It does vibrate a little at higher speeds but it's not too noticeable and it seems to go through tires pretty relatively quickly. How long can I drive with it like this? I am told it's going to cost me about $450 to have the thing replaced and the car is barely worth that much. I have 195K miles on it but it still runs pretty well. I know it's about one tire in the junk pile but it's all I can afford at the moment.

Oh, one other thing, the dash light went out, though the clock and cruise lights still work. There must be a wire crossed somewhere because when I push on the brake, the dash light occasionally comes on then goes off when I let up.


Thanks for any help you can give!

[mr bishi]

play in your rack will alter your tracking so it will go through tyres sooner, also if jerk the steering wheel side to side it shoul knock and will have free play if its worn.

[sarabellum]

Originally Posted by mr bishi

play in your rack will alter your tracking so it will go through tyres sooner, also if jerk the steering wheel side to side it shoul knock and will have free play if its worn.

What could happen if I don't fix this? Do I have any amount of time before it has to be fixed?

Thanks!

[mr bishi]

depending on how bad your rack is? but really the only thing its going to damage is your tyres and posibbly track rod ends if vibration is bad and is left for a long time

[azakram]

By the way 2000 Galant has recall on some park of rack openion. You should check with dealer if that is the problem. I was told that they will fix the problem caused by the part which is recalled.