Sloppy steering
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
Sloppy steering Okay, so I hadn't specifically noticed my steering getting more and more play in it, until my brother mentioned it to me after driving my car. There does appear to be a fair amount of play/slop whenever I try to turn in. Is there a simple way to just tighten the steering box, does it just wear out? New power steering fluid (since they always seem to whine anyway)?
I know that's a lot of questions at once, but thanks for any input you all may be able to provide!
I know that's a lot of questions at once, but thanks for any input you all may be able to provide!
Re: Sloppy steering I'd look at alignment, balljoints, tie rods, and bearings (as well as control arm bushings and such) to make sure that they are in good condition. If the parts are worn, the suspension can't do a proper job of controlling the wheels.
If all of those are ok, I'd try to detirmine how much slop there is in the steering rack. See how far the wheel can be turned before the rack starts to move (there will be some slack, but I'm not sure of the "acceptable limit"). If the rack looks reasonably tight, I'd start looking at alignment specs, maybe the alignment is out and that is causing the problems.
There is no "set answer", but those are good places to start.
Good luck.
Kevin
If all of those are ok, I'd try to detirmine how much slop there is in the steering rack. See how far the wheel can be turned before the rack starts to move (there will be some slack, but I'm not sure of the "acceptable limit"). If the rack looks reasonably tight, I'd start looking at alignment specs, maybe the alignment is out and that is causing the problems.
There is no "set answer", but those are good places to start.
Good luck.
Kevin
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas
Re: Sloppy steering I do need to take a look at my alignment, remembered that after driving down the highway last night.
Pretty much all the easy suspension has been redone or replaced. Shocks, springs, swaybars, LCAs, panhard rod. I haven't done the Torque arm yet.
Thanks for the info!
Pretty much all the easy suspension has been redone or replaced. Shocks, springs, swaybars, LCAs, panhard rod. I haven't done the Torque arm yet.
Thanks for the info!
Re: Sloppy steering Look at the front control arm bushings in the upper and lower a arms and the balljoints and such. If there is no excessive play, I'd check the alignment, it is the next suspect. Good luck!
Kevin
Kevin
