Steering rack sensor, what does it do?

[mikecool84]

I was replacing my plugs on the weekend and noticed my steering rack sensor doesn't go anywhere.. because the plug's wires have been cut.

So the question is, what does the sensor do? and do I need to fix it?

Fyi. My steering is rubbish at the moment, very light when on centre. The rack and ball joints are tight, the centre steering shaft has a small amount of play from not loctiting the splines but nowhere near enough to account for the vague steering.

Thoughts?

[PridenJoy]

It only raises the engine idle when steering is turned to stop revs from dropping due to extra load. Many have it plugged with a bolt and do not notice difference.

[Jastel]

Handy for parking, that's about it.

If the sensor leaks many people put a screw in it, there is a hole in the bottom interior end which senses the pressure etc, I have not seen anyone cut the wires off??

[Ford Falcon XR6]

^^^^^
Is it just an actual blanking plug ?? That's why theres no wires

[mikecool84]

Originally Posted by Ford Falcon XR6

^^^^^
Is it just an actual blanking plug ?? That's why theres no wires

Nope, someone in their wisdom decided to cut the wires right at the plug base when they could've just unplugged it.
I guess it saved them a few seconds...... maybe.


All cool, thanks for the responses. I'll leave it be and try and find the source of the less than stellar steering. I think it's the intermediate shaft.

Cheers,

Mike.

[mik]

Au`s do not have vague steering , something is wrong for sure, i dont think you should have to loctite splines ................ at all ! bolts/nuts yes ...... loose splines sounds like a big problem !
if however you do end up replacing stuff, steering shaft, etc, i would also recommend replacing your outer tie rod ends if they are original ones even if they have no play , because they lose their tightness over the years and without that extra friction it makes the steering light, that is what i found on my xr6 anyway, the steering is now tight as when it was brand new.

[aussiblue]

You haven't got the upmarket speed sensitive rack have you?

[mikecool84]

Originally Posted by aussiblue

You haven't got the upmarket speed sensitive rack have you?

It's possible, how would I tell?
I've had the car 6 months, so I'm not entirely sure what's happened to it in the past.

[aussiblue]

What model is it; Futera, GL, Fairmont, Fairmont Ghia? Usually only on Ghia models.

[mikecool84]

Originally Posted by aussiblue

What model is it; Futera, GL, Fairmont, Fairmont Ghia? Usually only on Ghia models.

Sorry, didnt mention it earlier, au1 xr8.
I don't trust that it's the right rack, it might be but there are a lot of au2 parts on it.

[aussiblue]

Checking it seems that while speed sensitive steering was available on the earlier EL, it was dropped from the AU.