Citroen C4 - Steering Rack

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks
View Threaded
Mon 7 Nov 2022 21:06
Citroen C4 - Steering Rack - ambient

Hi

A mechanic found play in the steering of my Citroen C4 1.6 (08). The symptoms were a bit of vibration in the wheel over 65mph, and slight rumble. Apart from that, the steering is behaving as normal, occasional noise when turning 90 degrees at low speed.

It was initially thought it would be track rod ends, but the mechanic came back and said it's from the steering rack itself. I need to talk to the garage again tomorrow, but they said 'wait for it's MOT' before addressing it, and when asked, they said it was safe to drive. I interpreted that as they'd found play, but unless it failed on the MOT it won't need addressing yet. I will have to phone to clarify as the invoice they've written 'required steering rack'.

I also wonder how they found play in the steering rack itself as opposed to a specific component that makes up the rack.

A few questions, and any input is greatly appreciated.

1. In the 2008 C4, could it be that both control arms need replacing, instead of the whole steering rack itself?

2. Any rough idea on the time involved, if I could source a refurbished steering rack?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 8 Nov 2022 12:24
Citroen C4 - Steering Rack - paul 1963

Can't help with Q1 however talking to a guy this morning a newrack would take 4 hours to change, there's a company called "shaft tec" that will supply a reconditioned rack for your car, they will charge a surcharge refundable when you return the old one, hope that helps?

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Wed 9 Nov 2022 23:25
Citroen C4 - Steering Rack - focussed

"A mechanic found play in the steering of my Citroen C4 1.6 (08). The symptoms were a bit of vibration in the wheel over 65mph, and slight rumble. Apart from that, the steering is behaving as normal, occasional noise when turning 90 degrees at low speed"

A worn steering rack doesn't usually cause vibration in the (steering) wheel and a rumble at 65 mph. They usually rattle over bumps and wandering steering.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 10 Nov 2022 09:52
Citroen C4 - Steering Rack - paul 1963

If the op reads this (?) I made a mistake..the company's called "Shaftec" not shaft tec!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 10 Nov 2022 10:06
Citroen C4 - Steering Rack - Terry W

Before even thinking about replacing components at significant expense, you should get a proper diagnosis of the problem.

It may be the steering rack - but the noise could also be coming from CV joints, wheel bearings. Steering imprecision could be any one or many steering bushes and joints.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 10 Nov 2022 15:19
Citroen C4 - Steering Rack - ambient

The steering isn't wandering but just feels a little slack.
I asked the mechanic to check for failing wheel bearings, as that is what I first thought, and they came back with play in the steering rack. He said it doesn't need addressing, just monitoring.
I think I will get the wheels balanced and tracking done and see if vibration persists.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 10 Nov 2022 14:51
Citroen C4 - Steering Rack - ambient

Thanks, that's a very helpful suggestion if needed. Appreciate it.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide