Loud road noise from front end at 65+...rack and pinion??

[325isBMW1988]

I drove to Salem, MA today and noticed a little bit too much road noise from the front end. I stopped at a rest stop and jacked each front wheel up and the same is for both. When a nudge the wheel up and down, nothing, but when i move it left to right the steering wheel moves slightly and i can hear and feel the play. I think its my rack and pinion but im no mechanic, and i need it for work everyday, so can anyone help me figure this out?

[marti5]

Strange that it only does it at 65+, I would say you have a worn joint, but which one is hard to say without getting the car up in the air, what I would do is go to a tyre place and get them to have a look.

[325isBMW1988]

i just looked at it in daylight and the joints that attach to the rack and pinion are all worn out (bushings deteriorated). so thats all i need to replace, right?

[marti5]

Yep! Thats the way I would go, glad you found the prob.

[silversled]

I don't think that's what it is actually...just me though

[lwvseabee]

is there a change in your ride at all at the 65+? maybe have the tires balanced do the cheap stuff first. could be a simpler fix than a rack and tie rods

[84bmw318i]

it really depends because when i hit 60+ it does the same but it's because i got new rims and haven't balanced them yet