Very loud creaking from the steering rack

[Krusty]

Hello, me again. 2001 C5 Targa Auto.
Had a very loud creaking coming from my steering rack over the last few months. Most noticeable when everything is hot, usually after a good drive.
First time today, I've had the better half move the steering wheel whilst I investigated the creak better (after 70 mile trip home from the Lake District). I put my hand on the steering rack and its definitely creaking from that! I can feel it in the rack itself.
I also noticed that the rack very slightly moves! My question is, is this normal for the C5? do they have a floating rack??? or have I found the issue and its became very slightly slack in its mounts?

Any input would be greatly appreciated

 

[teamzr1]

Sounds like someone worked on the front end and did not torque down the rack's mounting bolts
No, there should be no movement of the rack
Should be simple if you jack the front up and be easy to see those bolts and torque them down in proper placement

Also, I have never heard of a C5 rack emitting sounds

Make sure you check that the mounting bushings are good

 

[Krusty]

Brilliant! Thanks a lot for that. I have had a lot of work done to the car where the rack has been removed quite a few times! So this makes sense.
Any idea of the recommended torque on those bolts???

 

[teamzr1]

Steering Gear: Specifications​

Power Steering Gear:
Inlet Hose To Power Steering Gear 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.)
Mounting Bolt Nuts To Crossmember 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.)
Fitting To Power Steering Gear 27 Nm (20 ft. lbs.)
Steering Gear Nut 100 Nm (74 ft. lbs.)
Cylinder Line End Fittings 27 Nm (20 ft. lb.)
Cylinder Line Valve End Fittings 16.9 Nm (13 ft lb)
Pinion Preload 1.8 Nm (16 inch lbs.)
O-ring Union Fitting 75 Nm (55 ft. lbs.)

 

[Llewelyn]

Also make sure your steering UJ is tight where the steering shaft connects to the rack…!

 

[Krusty]

We have a result!!!

I've dodged the rain, jacked the car up and found the left/drivers side bolt was slack!
I got a really good turn on it before the torque wrench clicked. Slackened and retorque'd the other side for good measure.
No creaking and my steering has gone silky smooth again

Next time I'm out, I'll update whether it returned or not. But I'm pretty sure that was the problem haha.

Thanks again everyone

 

[teamzr1]

Your lucky then as if the right side also got loose and going into a turn and the rack slide to one side
Good to hear you got that fixed but if loose again I would use like a blue thread locker on the threads of bolts

 

[Krusty]

Good advice!
Next time I get the pleasure of using a 2/4 post ramp, I might just do that for good measure anyway

 

[Krusty]

Delighted to let you all know that after 1 week, the noise has gone and the car feels a million times better to drive