Steering issue (unusual)

2014 MGT, 27K, stock BBP suspension. Steering has been getting draggy, sticky, notchy and not centring properly. No indications of mechanical distress, no shakes at high speeds. Tires are worn out but, it really doesn't feel like a problem there. Moving the tires around and absolutely ensuring proper inflation made no change.

I plan to drop the struts out of their pockets and make sure the bearings are turning freely, even though there is no noise, etc. indicating a problem.

Next is ask Ford about reprogramming the rack. This can be done without resetting the ECM, correct? I returned to stock tune, no change, disconnected the battery for a few minutes, no change.

Worst case is replace the rack....which is a colossally expensive part where I am. Replacing a known-faulted part with another one doesn't necessarily suit me, either. The 302R Motorsport rack is a short rack from the looks of it and takes away comfort mode, which I like on long road trips.

Anybody got any ideas or info; I'm happy to hear it. I need this like a hole in the head right now.

Take a look at the Font control arm bushings, they tend to go out and once they do they give us a terrible steering issue.

If you want "comfort" the 302R isn't for you, it's a race rack designed to be used with race wheels. Another alternative is the Boss 302 rack which is calibrated different than a GT.

The reason I discount the LCA bushes are they look good and the car has no shuddering at speed, typical of the LCA bushing issue.

I'll look into the Boss 302 rack...

Ford has diagnosed the rack as internally defective. Full replacement required. They quoted me about $2500 to re and re the rack with 1700 being parts. Very not happy with Ford Corporate response, which is, pound sand. This defect, at speed will kill. It doesn't just make it hard to steer, like a power steerign pump going out, it literally locks the wheel and prevents steering.

Here's a video of some low speed attempts to maneuver the car.

Dang that's terrible, is that price OEM? At that price you might want to upgrade into the Boss rack which has 3 modes of steering comfort.

The rack calls for 2.5 hours labor so i bet you could get a private shop to do it with oem parts for less than 1200 or you could put in a used one. Or you could do it yourself.

The boss rack and the 14 rack are the same. That was the solution to the nibble problems in the 11 cars.

I bought a Motorcraft reman, which, after core refund, is about $891 Canadian so, that's not too bad. No way I'd trust used on this car, given the problems with the early cars and the fact used parts have often been in a wreck.

I'm hoping I can get healthy enough soon to do the job myself...had a bit of a setback recently, which has me contemplating farming the work out, even though it's straightforward.