tim couillard

I just put a RC 3.5" on my 2014 Silverado last month. I also changed lower ball joints and outer tie rods. I began having the popping when I turn left at slow speeds. I first thought it was a ball joint that had failed and went to replace it yesterday. Upon crawling under it yesterday I realized the ball joints were fine. As I was investigating I noticed the popping in the tie rods and figured I need inner tie rods. Replaced the drivers side with no problem, there was play in both sides, when I pulled the passenger side inner tie rod I found what looked like 2 washers on the rack and pinion shaft. I am assuming this is the piston seal but I am not positive. I have no leaking of fluid that I noticed. I put it back together after I removed the 2 washer looking pieces and the popping is gone. Not sure if anyone else has had this happen or knows if I should be concerned. I have no issues steering but I am clearly concerned of the steering just locking up. No one makes a rebuild kit and it looks like it's going to be about $2500 to get it fixed but sounds like it's difficult to get ahold of a new rack and pinion. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. Update: after much internet surfing I came across this you tube video that gives the solution and a part number which you can order from oemgmparts.com for about $23. This is way better then $2400 to replace the whole rack. Here is the GM bulletin as well for the repair. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2015/SB-10090115-2280.pdf

I just put a RC 3.5" on my 2014 Silverado last month. I also changed lower ball joints and outer tie rods. I began having the popping when I turn left at slow speeds. I first thought it was a ball joint that had failed and went to replace it yesterday. Upon crawling under it yesterday I realized the ball joints were fine. As I was investigating I noticed the popping in the tie rods and figured I need inner tie rods. Replaced the drivers side with no problem, there was play in both sides, when I pulled the passenger side inner tie rod I found what looked like 2 washers on the rack and pinion shaft. I am assuming this is the piston seal but I am not positive. I have no leaking of fluid that I noticed. I put it back together after I removed the 2 washer looking pieces and the popping is gone. Not sure if anyone else has had this happen or knows if I should be concerned. I have no issues steering but I am clearly concerned of the steering just locking up. No one makes a rebuild kit and it looks like it's going to be about $2500 to get it fixed but sounds like it's difficult to get ahold of a new rack and pinion. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.