Slop in steering: What’s common/acceptable?

Daryl · Feb 19, 2022

Not a huge deal, but I noticed about “one hour” of slop on the steering wheel where there’s no reaction in the steering. For example, between 11:30 and 12:30 I can jostle the steering wheel and it doesn’t affect the direction of the car.

My ‘64 ChevyII had even more slop , so I’m not surprised. But thought I’d inquire here in case there’s some attention I can give it.

Thanks!

07GtS197 · Feb 19, 2022

Every sn95 I’ve ever owned had a bit of slop in the wheel. My old 02 had a lot because the steering shaft was loose and the steering rack bushings allowed the rack to move around. I’d check your steering rack, control arm bushings and rag joint. Might as well check your front suspension while you’re down there.

badass98svt · Feb 19, 2022

Yeah an "hour" of play isn't too bad.
Solid steering rack bushings were a huge improvement on my car back when I was first starting to mod the suspension. A much improved feel at the steering wheel. Also a solid steering shaft makes a big difference too. Those 2 mods are well worth it.
But add suggested, do a once over and see what may need to be replaced.

95opal · Feb 19, 2022

/\ agree solid shaft and bushings make a big difference.

Daryl · Feb 20, 2022

95opal said:
/\ agree solid shaft and bushings make a big difference.

Is there a solid shaft for a power steering rack??

Makoto · Feb 20, 2022

coming from a lexus sc300 i can attest to the fact that it honetly feels broken but the solid rack bushings helped.
i guess maybe its the squishy rubber stock bushing thing in the steering column itself but the solid columns are pretty pricey so i haven't done that yet.

it doesn't bother me now that all the suspension is sorted. the car does what i want when i want all the time and that's all you can really ask for.

badass98svt · Feb 20, 2022

Daryl said:
Is there a solid shaft for a power steering rack??

No, the steering shaft itself. There is a sloppy rag joint in the OEM steering shaft which helps contribute to the sloppy play you feel in the steering.

Steering Shaft Assembly, Power Steering Rack, 1994-04 Mustang

Daryl · Feb 20, 2022

Found one on MM for $329. That sound about right?

My Cart

95opal · Feb 20, 2022

Daryl said:
Found one on MM for $329. That sound about right?

Badass posted the link for the correct shaft above. Pair it with the solid rack bushings and your set.

Daryl · Feb 20, 2022

95opal said:
Badass posted the link for the correct shaft above. Pair it with the solid rack bushings and your set.

Yep, same one I found. Front control arm urethane bushings, 25mm sway bar bushings and sway bay end links for lowered 1 1/4” or more, too??

Daryl · Feb 20, 2022

Daryl said:
Yep, same one I found. Front control arm urethane bushings, 25mm sway bar bushings and sway bay end links for lowered 1 1/4” or more, too??

Gotcha!

badass98svt · Feb 20, 2022

I wouldn't put any money into the stock control arms, I'd buy the FRPP control arms. Better turning radius, and upgraded bushings too. Plus they come with new ball joints installed as well.
Yes, your swaybar endink should be the same amount shorter, as your springs lowered the car.
When looking at the swaybar from the side of the car, it should be parallel to the ground.

Here's the link to the solid bushings for your steering rack.

Steering Rack Bushings, Solid, 1985-04 Mustang with stock k-member

Makoto · Feb 21, 2022

man 330 bucks is a lot for that. let us know if its worth it.

badass98svt · Feb 21, 2022

It was definitely worth it for me. When I bought it, it was about $50 less though, and I had the 03 Cobra control arms with the stock K and solid rack bushings. Now I have the tubular K and tubular front control arms too. They all make a bit of a difference. For me though the solid rack bushings for the stock K, and the solid steering shaft made the biggest difference in steering and response in the wheel.