Steering Somewhat Loose / Too much freeplay W203

[vee]

Hello.

Currently I'm driving a c200 kompressor w203 year 2000. What i am facing now is, there's a play in the steering and a little clunking noise coming out from the steering whenever i turn it to the left. I have already sent my car for wheels alignments but it was only for a while. Noted that i have changed all the undercarriage parts including the steering rack bushings which it's not even a year yet. Sent my car to my mechanic for inspections and i've been told that i need to change my steering rack. Need confirmation if it's really my steering rack that caused this problem at the first place?

 

[PobodY]

I'd start with the tie-rod ends; if there's play in those you'll feel it in the steering (and the alignment won't stay set). - Cheaper and easier than replacing the entire rack.

Having said that, if the rack is knackered then you should change it. - Nothing worse than vague steering, and it may fail an MOT too.

 

[vee]

Thank you very much!