Loose steering column, and play in wheel

[HoLLo]

My steering wheel is very loose and I can turn it several degrees before it actually moves the wheel. I was up under my car today and turning the wheel back and forth I can see where it pivots without responding.

In the pic, the part that is circled is the last point I see the column move. It's gotta be in the bottom rack, but I have no idea what else to check after that. You guys got any ideas?

http://home.comcast.net/%7Esentinel00/0924082045a1.jpg

[Fastbird]

Just a thought, but typically the loose steering is coming from a worn out rag joint. Pull the steering linkage and see if the rag joint is loose. I've yet to see a rack cause a loose wheel.

[HoLLo]

What part exactly is the rag joint? Because like I said that exact part that is circled (very bottom of steering column) is the last point that rotates with no steering response. make sense?

[PipesTA]

He means pull out the shaft that connects the colum to the steering rack. There are two small universal joints on this shaft. If they are worn, replace the whole shaft. I agree with Fastbird, it's probably not your steering rack. Check the tie rod ends as well to see if you are getting movement out of them.

[HoLLo]

Brand new outer tie rods like 10k miles ago.. never helped it any when they were freshly installed..

So it would be in the part right below the circle then?

[PipesTA]

The piece above your circle in the picture...

[Z28pr0jekt]

http://www.unbalancedengineering.com/Camaro/Rag_Joint/

might help

[HoLLo]

He means pull out the shaft that connects the colum to the steering rack. There are two small universal joints on this shaft. If they are worn, replace the whole shaft. I agree with Fastbird, it's probably not your steering rack. Check the tie rod ends as well to see if you are getting movement out of them.

The piece above your circle in the picture...

Well that doesn't make sense. Right where I have it circled, when I move the wheel it rotates right there. It's not like there is play in the U-joints of the steering column because it actually rotates right at the point where it connects to the steering column.

[HoLLo]

?

[NicksTAgt]

Thanks for bringing this up, I have the exact same problem. I would recommend you just buy a new steering column and put it in there. I know a guy that has 2 for sale, I just sent him a message and I will let you know what he says about pricing.

[HoLLo]

Cool, i'd appreciate that. But i was looking at that steering column that was posted earlier. the rag joint eliminator for like $36..

[YZF]

Check to make sure that pinch bolt is tight and make sure the splines look good on the inside.

[rudedog]

Steering column won't solve that problem. I have the same thing. I have been trying to find out how to to take the lash out of the rack. No luck yet.

[NicksTAgt]

Given that you have headers, your rag joint is probably heat soaked like mine is. I would try that rag-joint eliminator from unbalanced engineering and go from there. Most people that use it have great results, I ordered mine today instead of getting a new steering shaft, but I could always get you that used one if you want it, pm me if you do.

[HoLLo]

Steering column won't solve that problem. I have the same thing. I have been trying to find out how to to take the lash out of the rack. No luck yet.

Same thing I am thinking.


Given that you have headers, your rag joint is probably heat soaked like mine is. I would try that rag-joint eliminator from unbalanced engineering and go from there. Most people that use it have great results, I ordered mine today instead of getting a new steering shaft, but I could always get you that used one if you want it, pm me if you do.

I had this problem long before headers..

I don't think everyone understands it cannot be the column simply because at that part I circled where it connects directly to the rack, it will rotate exactly with the steering wheel without any play in the rag joints..

[HoLLo]

What else can I check?

[HoLLo]

Anyone else have any input? Still need some help getting this fixed.

[97LT1]

Do you think the rack itself has damage where the linkage connects? Like maybe the shape is becoming rounded due to loose linkage bolt?

Just throwing questions out there to maybe help or bring up a thought.

[95LT1Z28]

Im not familiar with the f body steering set up too much, but is there any sort of grease fittings on the colum u joints? Maybe grease them and see if it tightens up a bit?? just a suggestion

[ktmwoodsrider]

Haven't crawled under my car to see yet; so don't know if this applies to F-bodies, but here's a universal rack slack adjustment tutorial: http://www.valvoline.com/carcare/articleviewer.asp?pg=ccr20060701sr&cccid=2&scccid=3&print=true

[RumbleZ]

might be helpful to someone:
http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech2.html#rack_preload