Loose feeling in the steering.

[mustangshane]

So we got more of the white stuff this morning. On my 15min. turned 1 hour ride to work. I had to climb some hills and lets say I got to do it sideways because the stupid people here dont understand "momentum". But I have to say I did not hit anything! But now there's a lot more play in the steering. I can turn the wheel 1/8th of a rotation before I feel anything. I put it up on stands when I got home and everything seemed tight. Tie-rod ends inners and outers. The rag joint flexed a little with my wife turning the wheel. I checked the connection at the Rack and pinion and everything is tight. So what gives. I hear a little clunking that sounds like its in the column when I move it back and forth. Is this a common problem with the columns? Let me know what you guys think.

 

[Win]

Ah ha i have that too. I have to remember what i found out what it was though.

 

[SRT Handz]

usually this pay is from the steering shaft.

 

[justinschmidt1]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/FLA-FR1509P/
\

anyone try this?

 

[SRT Handz]

MM Makes a solid piece.... But i just bought a used Steering shaft for like $10 or something off ebay

 

[ReplicaR]

Keep checking for play. If you feel like the play is coming from under the dash, where the shaft connects to the steering wheel, then you have to remove the panels under the dash board, and so you can see where it connects and if the problem is there.

 

[mustangshane]

As weird as it may sound. I think I'm going to have the alignment checked. My '89 had this problem and it turned out the camber was out. So it caused a loose feeling in the steering. I checked the shaft all the way to the tie rod ends yesterday. Everything is nice and tight. So I'll see what a alignment turns up.

 

[ReplicaR]

Even if the alignment is off, it should not create any slop at all in the steering. If you are not moving, and the steering has play in it, it is mechanical.

 

[Win]

It sounds kinda like a Tic Tock right. I have that in my 94 also. The Alignment won't fix that.

 

[cntchds]

Basically there are very few things that affect the steering output. There is a joint in the steering shaft commonly referred to as the "rag joint" which is rubber and offers a lot of play after many years of use. The next place down the line is the rack. Generally speaking the rack is pretty solid. The mechanics inside the rack are very straight forward (not the power steering mumbo jumbo. just the rack itself.) and should not provide any noticeable play. Tie rod ends can, and do wear out over time as well. This can also be felt as slop in the steering wheel. Last but not least, the steering rack bushings are another rubber component that over time does give out. I have not experienced it myself, but I have been told that in some cases they can cause up to half an inch of rack movement when they get too pliable.

 

[mustangshane]

Alright guys. I understand steering and how it all works. I have looked for replacement rag joints. I dont know where Handz bought his. But, they dont make them for our cars anymore, at least that I could find. The rag joint flexed a little at full lock. But everything turns when the wheel turns. All components of the steering are nice and tight. Trust me. I had my son turning the wheel while I watched everything. I'm going to have the alignment checked and go from there. Maybe they'll find something I didn't see. If I'm wrong, I apologize.

 

[Win]

It sounds kinda like a Tic Tock right. When you rock the wheel back and forth. I have that in my 94 also. .

??

 

[ivan12]

Mine was pretty bad in two places, on one joint below the headers and a second joint under the column, I replaced the shaft under the headers and I was able to notice the difference, I still need to replace the part under the column. I've thought about getting the MM but it's like $200 and I'm not %100 sure it will completely fix the play.

 

[mustangshane]

You know thats what I'm looking at too. But if that is the problem I'll fix it. Because I hate slop in the steering.