940: Steering Rack Play

[Fresh Air Inspector]

Hello All,

In November of 2020 I sent my Koyo rack out to be rebuilt by Cardone (via my local NAPA store). My PS system was flushed, a Magna-Pure filter added (just a nice housing with a fine screen), fresh fluid followed by a front end alignment.

Car has been driven 15K km (9K mi), over the past 12 months and I just noticed the other day that there is a 'dead' spot when moving the steering wheel back and forth. With one hand at the 12 o'clock position on the steering wheel it can be moved about 15 mm (1/2") back and forth. This play is there whether the steering wheel is pointed straight ahead or turning in either direction. The play is NOT in the steering column u-joint as it is visible at the pinion shaft. Also, the tie rod ends (inner and outer), are virtually new as the car had its biannual mechanical safety inspection last week. I also checked these a few days ago.

My suspicion is play between the pinion and rack. I believe the rack is still under warranty but will confirm with NAPA tomorrow. So this option may be open to me.

Any thoughts on why this would happen so soon?