"loose" steering wheel

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Feb 23, 2011 | 09:45 AM

XxWICKEDSSxX

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From: Houston

"loose" steering wheel

I noticed this morning that my steering wheel has some slack in it, from the 6 o'clock position to the 9 o'clock position you can move it about a half inch toward the floor. Where is the slack at? In the rack and pinion or is as simple as tightening something under the wheel itself?

Feb 23, 2011 | 03:36 PM

rbaksi

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I have this exact same problem. I would like to know as well.

Feb 23, 2011 | 04:49 PM

ramairetransam

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From: Amsterdam Ny, the good part

its the 4 bolts that hold under the wheel to the column . Mt brothers 00 with 68k does it and my 99 with 48k does it . Air bag has to come off , wheel off , its really a pain in the *** . I know thiers write ups and almost think their was one in a mag for it . Same fix for a 3rd gen .

Feb 23, 2011 | 04:55 PM

babbage1109

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From: Southside,Indiana

After I did my long tube install I had a real loose turn on my steeringwheel. I adjusted the knuckle up and it is tight as can be

Mar 11, 2011 | 12:54 PM

jimmyblue

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From: East Central Florida

I went in for an alignment because I was feeling a similar
looseness, the band clamp on the lower steering linkage
was loose and barely on the rack stub. The alignment dude
was able to take some from the other end and get it all tight.

Mar 11, 2011 | 12:58 PM

Tobias05

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From: Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by babbage1109

After I did my long tube install I had a real loose turn on my steeringwheel. I adjusted the knuckle up and it is tight as can be

same here.

every once in a while i have to crawl under the car and tighten the bolt up.

Mar 12, 2011 | 05:57 AM

leadfoot4

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From: Webster, NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaysan

what does it look like so I can see if this is my problem

There's a universal joint that connects the lower end of the steering column to the pinion stub that comes out of the steering rack housing. The pinion has a groove in it, and the bolt that passes through the clamp engages this groove, and holds the u-joint to the pinion stub.

Take a look at this u-joint, and it will be self explaining.