Steering wheel play? how much is bad?

Typhoonk · Post by **Typhoonk** » March 16th, 2005, 11:44 pm

Was driving down a fairly straight road. I noticed that I could keep my car straight, but still move my steering wheel about an inch and a bit either way without it affecting my straight line. This feels like too much......

Is there a way to tighten it up or adjust it?

also sometimes when I take a slight right turn then a slight left turn, there is a spot that it feels like it sticks a bit when going from right to left?

happyclown · Post by **happyclown** » March 18th, 2005, 10:56 pm

i've sorta noticed the same thing in my past few cars... but i always thought it was alighment or my pump was low on fluid or cold (i noticed it in dead winter)... i dont know of any fixes or any thing, nor have i even had the chance to invistigate it more ...

OsoSlo z28 · Post by **OsoSlo z28** » March 19th, 2005, 8:59 am

check in the engine bay at the steering linkage. check to see if there's a rag joint. if there is, that's probably you're problem.

neutral · Post by **neutral** » March 19th, 2005, 9:34 am

Another cause could be worn tie rod ends-at least for the loose play. At their worst, as they wear out, a car can really lose previously responsive steering. The process can be so gradual as to not notice it over time.