360 GLE Steering 'cracking' noise

Nigelb1 · Feb 25th, 2003, 21:27

Hi,
I have a 1998 F plate 360 GLE - B200K engine - carburettor not injection. I've posted earlier about replacing the steering rack. However since convincing myself it was the rack I had had opinions from friends that cast doubt on this diagnosis. The steering makes a terrific cracking noise on moving off - but after this initial sound is Ok - It also feels OK when driving. At a standstill with engine running or not if you move the wheels lock to lock it will make the noise. After advice from a much earlier post I greased the teeth on the rack itself, as there was a thought that it was dry and this was causing the problem.
Advice I've received since is that it might be the springs in the struts either fractured or broken. As I've also just replaced the top mounts in an attempt to cure the noise and had the springs off - I don't think it is this. I've also replaced the radius arm bushes as well.

I've also been told to loosen the hub nuts and pack with copper grease, which is supposed to cure a 'known problem'. I'm not aware of this but will gladly give it a try in an attempt to avoid spending money unnecessarily.
Any one got any other ideas for me to try before I change my beer tokens for a new rack?

Thanks

Nigel

Jun 14th, 2003, 19:57

I expect you have done this now but I have three 360 GLE's all 1988 models and they all crack loudly when turning the steering first thing in the morning, like when getting out of a parking spot. They have all passed MOT fine, two have had new power racks which has made no difference. I have always thought it was to do with the spring turning on the mount and was not important.

Very good cars!

Feb 25th, 2003, 21:27	#1
Nigelb1 Junior Member Last Online: Jan 6th, 2008 22:20 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: swansea	360 GLE Steering 'cracking' noise Hi, I have a 1998 F plate 360 GLE - B200K engine - carburettor not injection. I've posted earlier about replacing the steering rack. However since convincing myself it was the rack I had had opinions from friends that cast doubt on this diagnosis. The steering makes a terrific cracking noise on moving off - but after this initial sound is Ok - It also feels OK when driving. At a standstill with engine running or not if you move the wheels lock to lock it will make the noise. After advice from a much earlier post I greased the teeth on the rack itself, as there was a thought that it was dry and this was causing the problem. Advice I've received since is that it might be the springs in the struts either fractured or broken. As I've also just replaced the top mounts in an attempt to cure the noise and had the springs off - I don't think it is this. I've also replaced the radius arm bushes as well. I've also been told to loosen the hub nuts and pack with copper grease, which is supposed to cure a 'known problem'. I'm not aware of this but will gladly give it a try in an attempt to avoid spending money unnecessarily. Any one got any other ideas for me to try before I change my beer tokens for a new rack? Thanks Nigel

Jun 14th, 2003, 19:57	#2
Jon Marsh Guest Location:	RE: 360 GLE Steering 'cracking' noise I expect you have done this now but I have three 360 GLE's all 1988 models and they all crack loudly when turning the steering first thing in the morning, like when getting out of a parking spot. They have all passed MOT fine, two have had new power racks which has made no difference. I have always thought it was to do with the spring turning on the mount and was not important. Very good cars!

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