Steering Play

[clapton924]

I've noticed that my steering has become a little vague.  For example, I can move the steering wheel about 1" side to side without the wheels turning much.  This also affects tracking a straight line. There is no play in the wheels if you push/pull on them at 12 and 6 positions.  Could my bushings be going bad?

[CrackerTeg]

Its possible. Have you inspected them at all? What about your ball joints?

[Mike]

I would suggest a detailed inspection of your front suspension. There should be a little play but, off the top of my head an inch sounds like alot.

[clapton924]

Have not inspected ball joints or bushings.  Just trying to get an idea of what might be wrong before I get under the car.

What about tie rods?

[CrackerTeg]

It's possible the ball joints wore out in your tie rods.

[NVA-AV6]

I've noticed that my steering has become a little vague.  For example, I can move the steering wheel about 1" side to side without the wheels turning much.  This also affects tracking a straight line. There is no play in the wheels if you push/pull on them at 12 and 6 positions.  Could my bushings be going bad?

Checking for steering play should be at 3 & 9, 6 & 12 is for ball joints.

Now if there still is no play  but you still have a good 1"+ of wheel play then it could be the rack....

[clapton924]

Checking for steering play should be at 3 & 9, 6 & 12 is for ball joints.

Now if there still is no play  but you still have a good 1"+ of wheel play then it could be the rack....

When I put my summer wheels back on a week or so ago I did the 12 & 6 check: no movement.  I guess that rules out the ball joints.  

Correct me if I am wrong, but if you push/pull at 3 & 9 won't the wheel naturally move since the car is jacked up?

[MyNameIsThien]

Yes, it would, but you are feeling for like a popping or slight clunk type of play. If and when you feel those type of play, it will indicate a loose tie rod end. Either the inner or outer.

[clapton924]

Ok, I will check for those types of sounds. I have a feeling its going to be the rack...which I know nothing about!

[MyNameIsThien]

Its really not a sound, but more like a movement. Like a pop or clunk movement. Have you had your alignment done lately?

[clapton924]

yeah, I've had an alignment in the last 6 months.

I did some reading, I think I need to tighten whats called the "rack guide screw".

[clapton924]

Just checked the movement of the wheels from 3&9 positions. Wheels move smoothly....there is a slight noise when the wheel hit the max turn-in angle...but I think thats probably normal as it hits a "stop" of sorts.

Referring to my How-to thread -  My measured rotational play is ~46-50mm.  Well off the 10mm limit.

I jacked up the car today and found the rack guide screw....holy crap is it in a tight spot....I have no clue how they expect you to fit a torque wrench in there!

[wai_pang2]

Hi everyone

to the OP; I would do what Crackerteg said to check. My car would wonder when ever I went over rough roads or bumps. I had the same problem for a long time and this past 2 weeks, I replaced majority of my suspension which consisted of shocks, springs, upper/lower balljoints, outer tie rods and front and rear camber. When I had my friend press out my lower ball joint, I noticed the ball looking thing had play in it. I have approx. 150K on all those parts, the rubber boots on the ball joints were ripped.

[CrackerTeg]

Um, k. A little late but um, sure. For the record, it was Paul and Thien that gave better responses. I'm not taking credit for that.