Sloppy steering
07-12-2016, 03:59 PM
#1
Sloppy steering
I've noticed a lot of play in my steering wheel recently and don't feel particularly safe driving it as is. Any advice on what the source of the problem is and how to fix it?
07-27-2016, 05:54 PM
#3
The steering system is fairly easy. Steering wheel --> steering linkage to the gearbox --> geearbox to pitman arm --> pitman arm to tie rods --> tie rods to wheels spindles. Just break it down into sections to locate the faulty part.
This will be easier with the front wheels off the ground.
1. Open the hood and watch the steering linkages while someone turns the steering wheel. If the movement matches then go to step 2. if it doesn't you have a problem in your steering column.
2. Crawl underneath and watch the pitman arm while someone turns the steering wheel. The pitman arm is the one that connects your steering gearbox to the tie rods. If the arm moves in tandem with their movement go to step 3. If not then your gearbox is shot.
There is an adjustment point on these gearboxes that looks like the end of a bolt with a slot in it. It is used to "tighten up" the steering. It has a limit and will not save a worn out steering gear that needs replacement. I suspect that this is what happened to yours. There are rebuild kits, but it's much easier to simply swap the unit, especially if this is your daily driver and you can't afford the downtime.
3. If all is good up to now then your tie rods need checking. They should be firmly attached at all points and the rubber boots should not be leaking or cracked or missing or whatever. There should be a cotter pin in each nut. If this is all good then go to step 4.
4. Grab each front wheel (they're off the ground, right) and try to move them. You should get similar movement of the steering wheel. If you find them loose you may need ball joints or worse. Time to get someone who knows what's up to look at it.
This will be easier with the front wheels off the ground.
1. Open the hood and watch the steering linkages while someone turns the steering wheel. If the movement matches then go to step 2. if it doesn't you have a problem in your steering column.
2. Crawl underneath and watch the pitman arm while someone turns the steering wheel. The pitman arm is the one that connects your steering gearbox to the tie rods. If the arm moves in tandem with their movement go to step 3. If not then your gearbox is shot.
There is an adjustment point on these gearboxes that looks like the end of a bolt with a slot in it. It is used to "tighten up" the steering. It has a limit and will not save a worn out steering gear that needs replacement. I suspect that this is what happened to yours. There are rebuild kits, but it's much easier to simply swap the unit, especially if this is your daily driver and you can't afford the downtime.
3. If all is good up to now then your tie rods need checking. They should be firmly attached at all points and the rubber boots should not be leaking or cracked or missing or whatever. There should be a cotter pin in each nut. If this is all good then go to step 4.
4. Grab each front wheel (they're off the ground, right) and try to move them. You should get similar movement of the steering wheel. If you find them loose you may need ball joints or worse. Time to get someone who knows what's up to look at it.
