Rattling noise in steering column

[bass_twitch]

Ouch... and ouch for your pocket cause I've never heard of a steering rack doing that, no matter how worn they are.... they're designed not to do that. Tie rods yes, but not the rack itself.

Do you trust your mechanic?

Yes I do. He hasn't got a lot of experience with FTOs, but he has been working on our family's cars for years. A good honest bloke. (not the cheapest though).
I'm hoping that when I get it back that it will drive like a dream, if not I will be very pissed :
So what is the steering rack exactly? and what does it do? (So I have an insight into what was wrong).

[bass_twitch]

Turns out it was lots of stuff, and he only did a bit of it. (the big stuff).
My car's steering rack was screwed (apparently the ball joint things were all screwed and worn), so this was reconditioned.
He also replaced the 2 front sway bar bushes.
This cost me an arm and a leg... AND it still isn't driving perfect (although a bit better yes).

Things that still need to be done:
Rear sway bar D bushes - Where do I get these from? I'm going to do some ringing around soon. Although All my mates think I should just upgrade the rear sway bar while I'm there. Apparently this is an easy job.
Also apparently my front control arm bracket (driver's side) is screwed and needs to be replaced along with the bushes. No idea how to do that or source that. I'm going to put my feelers out and see what I can find.

I'm also getting my new wheels soon so that will remove the issue of having 3 buckled wheels on the car.
I'm just running out of money...