Binding Steering

The strut mounts mount the upper portion of the strut to the vehicle body. A worn or damaged strut mount results in vibration and noise. The rubber insulator of the mount gets dry and wears over time, resulting in a clunking sound when traveling over bumps. The bearing wears and begins to bind.

They contain a rubber insulator and typically a bearing insert. The insulator insulates and prevents vibrations from transferring to the body. The bearing insert provides a smooth pivot point for the steering system; a faulty strut bearing results in a bind while turning the steering wheel.

Rack and pinion gears are installed on (FWD) front-wheel-drive vehicles instead of a recirculating ball gearbox. They contain a pinion gear and a rack gear. These two gears remain in constant mesh. The gear is assisted by fluid from the power steering pump during turns. They can bind if worn or not adjusted properly.

Worn rack bushings cause the vehicle to wander. As the vehicle turns or hits bumps in the road, the rack moves in the worn bushings. This movement causes changes in the vehicle's toe.