Rack and Pinion Problem---- Interchangable years

[N30N001]

I would Like to say Hello to everyone first .I run a 2001 Neon..
I am having a major problem with my steering ...
I have had it to 2 shops etc checked out lots of new parts . They say everything is ok.
Problem that I am having is the steering wheel will change position for like a week at a time..when i line it up it is at 3-9 oclock...week or two later it could be at 2-8 oclock...It does not pull etc when it changes position for a week or 2...it does not affect anything....
.I am calling it a rack myself. maybe gear box jumping..getting tired of paying to get things checked out...I am pretty mechanically inclined and do all my own work..only go to a shop with situations like this.

I forgot to mention I also replace the rear control arm bushings with a new set of prothane....I am questioning these as to if they could change the alignment when it gets fully compressed..

.If you know the set up there is an additional bushing that goes between the adjuster nut and control arm..an addition to the oem setup.I am just thinking that when the control arm rides up and down the extra bushing could turn with the control arm as most control arms are rusted before you add these new bushings and grab the nut and change the alignment ....
That was another question I had...Does anyone's alignment change after doing these rear control arm bushing upgrades. I should have marked it after they aligned it up.
I never knew I was going to run into a steering issue...but I will now, just to watch it... If they don't move when the steering changes I will have to call it a rack.


Question I have I know the engine cradle/ crossmember's are interchangible....what about the rack and pinion for these cars ...Are they?
There are lots of complete units out there including inner tire rod ends.
I can't seem to find a post on rack compatibility so I thought I would ask....Thanks for any info Folks...seems like a great spot you have going here.

[thttxboy]

yes as far as I know all 00-05 neon steering racks are interchangeable and so is the srt one just the inner tie rod lengths are different.

Too answer your other question yes you do have to do an alignment after doing the rear control arm bushings since that is how you get your toe adjustment for the rear tires. Even marking them before hand wouldnt help you. I say get a alignment done first and then if you continue to have issues, go from there.

[hansken_yo]

SRT racks have different tie rod lengths as well as turning ratios and diameters. So if you were just sticking to a straight up repair stick with the non-SRT steering rack from an 00-05.

Its a lot of work to change it out yourself, but doable.

[N30N001]

yes as far as I know all 00-05 neon steering racks are interchangeable and so is the srt one just the inner tie rod lengths are different.

Too answer your other question yes you do have to do an alignment after doing the rear control arm bushings since that is how you get your toe adjustment for the rear tires. Even marking them before hand wouldnt help you. I say get a alignment done first and then if you continue to have issues, go from there.

Actually it has been on a machine at 2 different shops.
First shop did not believe the wheel moved , so I took it to a second shop and they found problems with the alignment so I just presumed they did a bad job first time around .
What I was saying I should have marked the rear adjusters after the alignment to see if they are moving, but never thought it would be that as i researched and read and never seen anyone else having issues.
How do we know what steering we have...I see we have standard . firm feeling and performance ......
our dealer here is not very co-operable in helping you out, unless we are buying from them.
Is there a vin decoder or anything available to let me know...
Thanks