The frame sections supporting the rack and pinion rusted away so the rack was "floating". I couldn't believe this could ever happen. I looked into a number of the same model cars in junk yards and saw the same symptoms but they didn't get to the same severity to break the rack supports yet. But I have seen where the top section of the subframe is rusted through but the rest of the subframe is strong enough to support the rack and the motor mount.
It looks like this is due to the A/C condenser drain tube dripping directly on to the sub-frame right where the rack is mounted. After years of this the frame rusts away and the rack supports break. I repaired this on my car and am re routing the A/C condenser drip with a 3/4 inch hose to drain away under the car without dripping on the frame. I hope this prevents this problem. I'll see what happens this summer.
Other than this very surprising and very dangerous problem I am pretty happy with my Classic. Considering it's age and mileage it is a reliable car.
I've only owned my car 2 weeks and the eyelet that holds the rack and pinion to the k frame broke out on the driver side making it difficult to negotiate a left hand turn. Also there is an active factory recall on my ignition and yet I have received nothing from GM to take care of this issue.
- Ronald R.,
Johnsonburg, PA, US
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The frame sections supporting the rack and pinion rusted away so the rack was "floating". I couldn't believe this could ever happen. I looked into a number of the same model cars in junk yards and saw the same symptoms but they didn't get to the same severity to break the rack supports yet. But I have seen where the top section of the subframe is rusted through but the rest of the subframe is strong enough to support the rack and the motor mount.
It looks like this is due to the A/C condenser drain tube dripping directly on to the sub-frame right where the rack is mounted. After years of this the frame rusts away and the rack supports break. I repaired this on my car and am re routing the A/C condenser drip with a 3/4 inch hose to drain away under the car without dripping on the frame. I hope this prevents this problem. I'll see what happens this summer.
Other than this very surprising and very dangerous problem I am pretty happy with my Classic. Considering it's age and mileage it is a reliable car.
- Alex Z., Minneapolis, MN, US