is my car safe? possible steering prob!

[libbyc3]

Hi all experts!
I am the proud owner from today (?) of a 1994 Fiesta cost £250.
I don't expect there to be no probs with the car - it has an MOT til Feb 10 - but!!
the bloke i bought it off took me for a drive - about 10 mins and all seemed fine - I know less than nothing about cars - he said he had recently replaced the steering rack and it was a bit stiff but fine.
The steering wheel is not in line - the ford sign in the middle is at a 90 degree angle to what it should be when driving in a straight line and it doesn't 'spring' back after turning a corner - you have to manually do it.
Now I have no problem with driving with the quirks that come with a banger but does this sound like something that could be dangerous?
The car is only intended as a cheap local runaround to be trashed by dogs in the back nd using less petrol than my MPV for short runs.
Thanks for any advice

[anewman]

It may need the tracking doing (maybe £40) - have it checked anyway if previous owner made no mention of it as it will save you paying more forking out for new tyres when they wear unevenly. The steering wheel can probably be taken off and re-centred.

Does the steering rack look new (shiny metal etc)? It will be located low down at the back of the engine bay and have two rubber gaiters on it. If you're uncertain steer fully in one direction and look behind the wheel which has the rear end poking out - there should be a long metal pole disappearing back and it will have a small rubber gaiter on it on the bit that meets the big metal thing behind the wheel.

If it's new it probably just needs wearing in.

[anewman]

Also didn't think to ask if it has power steering.

And forgot to add if the rack was obviously a used one I would be suspicious about it's condition.

[CHR15]

a long metal pole disappearing back and it will have a small rubber gaiter on it on the bit that meets the big metal thing behind the wheel.
.

Great explanation :T:rotfl::T

[1984ReturnsForReal]

Great explanation :T:rotfl::T


Unless of course you dont know what a gaitor is...

[CHR15]

http://www.logosoftwear.com/embroideryclipart/Attitude%20Gator.EZ1090.jpg

[flang]

If the car has recently had a replacement steering rack its likely that the track rods were unscrewed from the old rack and put back on the new rack resulting in the tracking being out.
Take the car to be retracked.
Alternatively you could leave it however it will eat up your tyres very quickly!