Auto Parts: Rack & Pinion power steering unit, suzuki esteem wagon, salvage yard

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2000 Suzuki Esteem Wagon with a 1.8l engine. I think the steering is going out but I am not sure how to tell. The steering wheel has began to move off center to the left, the right side wheel has began to make noise and show wear when I turn right as if out of alignment. I have looked under the car at the steering unit but can not see any problem. The wheel are tight telling me the bearings are ok. Is there a test to check the steering unit itself for wear?

ANSWER:      Sounds like a rack problem.  You'll want to take this to a front end shop, there is almost no part of this system that you can repair yourself.

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QUESTION: I was able to isolate the problem. It seem that the engine brace/crossmember is almost rusted out. This caused the right side wheel to toe out. Do you know of a place to obtain this part online? I believe it is called the engine cradle. It is the 't' shaped piece the has the motor mounts and the 'A' frames for the wheels.

Answer
    You're not going to find that in a parts store; I'm not even sure you could get it at the dealer, although it would be the place to go for a new one.  Best bet is a salvage yard, and they will probably have to "put it on the wire" in order to find you one.  Do you live in an area where they use a lot of salt on the roads?