EliteCM.net

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?

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

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.

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?

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

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?

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.

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

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

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".

(http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/733/78701272.gif)

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!

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.

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.