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Steering Wheel Play

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Old 12-22-2010, 04:05 PM
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Default Steering Wheel Play

So I hit a deep pothole which toed out my alignment
and took it in to the tire store. I told the dude I was
also feeling a lot of play in the steering wheel but the
wheel-wheel had no play at all, maybe there was a
jam screw on the pinion or something? He said no, it
was factory only.

But what there was, was the clamp end of the U-joint
steering linkage contraption was loose and almost backed
off the shaft. I never have touched that. Maybe was a
forgot-to-tighten from when the K-member went in
(over 5 years ago?) and just the pothole bump was the
last straw.

Feels like a whole different car now. Tight as the old lady's
Jag.

Somehow I don't think loss of steering woulda been fun.
Something to double check if you find your steering wheel
getting sloppy but the road gear is tight.
Old 12-22-2010, 04:46 PM
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Good catch, and good FYI to pass on!!

One other thing to consider is the rag joint on the steering column. Even the newest 4th gens are 2002s, almost 9 years old now. The rag joints, over time, can tear and/or just get "soft" and should be looked at, as they too, will cause play in the steering column.
Old 12-22-2010, 08:38 PM
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Thanks for the info. I hit two potholes last month and my steering is super sloppy now. Better get it done before it becomes an issue



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