Play in steering wheel
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,501
Likes: 177
From: Houston, Texas FEAR THE BONES
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Play in steering wheel
I noticed that I have a little play in the steering wheel. I can move the wheel about 1/4" in either direction without it turning the wheels. It feels very sloppy. Does anyone else's Vette drive like this or is something on my car loose?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: Play in steering wheel (94vette)
I have been told that when the various thingys that connect the wheel to the rack get loose, they need to be tighened... also, check to be sure the tierod ends are good and that the rack itself is tight to the frame...
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 4,623
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Re: Play in steering wheel (94vette)
You have a suspension problem. That's the easy part. Now you need to figure out what's worn. [or possibly loose] How many miles on the car? Track use? Tires? Pressures? Have the front hubs ever been replaced? Lots more possibilities. Tell us more and we'll try to diagnose it the Corvette Forum way...unseen!
It really is amazing at how many problems get resolved without the benefit of seeing, feeling or hearing a given problem.
It really is amazing at how many problems get resolved without the benefit of seeing, feeling or hearing a given problem.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 2,501
Likes: 177
From: Houston, Texas FEAR THE BONES
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Re: Play in steering wheel (h rocks)
OK, here it goes ---> Car has 85,000 miles. No front suspension work has ever been performed. New Bilstein shocks at 60,000 miles. New wheels/tires at 65,000 miles, those are in great shape (no uneven wear). I run 32 psi on all tires. No auto-x or tracks. Fair mix of city/highway driving. I know I need new rear bearings, but the fronts are good. I had a 4-wheel alignment done last month. New rear tie rod ends and rear spring poly bushings installed at that time. Steering rack groans a bit, so that might be the culprit here. What do I need to look for that could be loose?
Racer
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 280
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu Hawaii
Re: Play in steering wheel (BrianCunningham)
The groan that it makes usually means you are low on power steering fluid or the power steering pump is bad and needs to be rebuilt/replaced. But a bad pump would not affect the travel of the steering wheel. It just helps you turn the wheels easier. Something sounds loose. Check all the linkages to see if anything is loose.
-Tim
-Tim
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,080
Likes: 0
From: Orange County CA
Re: Play in steering wheel (94vette)
I don't have any advice for you...just wanted to say I have the same thing on mine. I bought it used in Jan with 22K on it and it has been that way from the start. I'm interested in what advice comes in.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,915
Likes: 0
From: Maurice, LA
Re: Play in steering wheel
It might be slipping at the intermediate steering shaft. That is the piece between the two sets of joints. Have someone turn the wheel for you with the car off but the column unlocked. You will see if its slipping at the rubber piece. If its more of a knocking, it would be the rack.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 4,623
Likes: 2
From: Ohio
Re: Play in steering wheel (94vette)
94vette, without seeing feeling or touching your car, this is a challenge. But I think that we should still be able to troubleshoot it...
Why do you know that you need rear hubs, but the fronts are ok? The fronts go much quicker than the rears. If they have never been replaced, my money is on them. It's a fast and easy DIY. The rears are a bit more involved but not a major PITA. What tests have you performed on the front and rear suspensions to arrive at your conclusions? Just trying to rule out some possibilities.
How long have you owned the car? I'm curious if there could have ever been any work done on it that may be unknown to you.
Why do you know that you need rear hubs, but the fronts are ok? The fronts go much quicker than the rears. If they have never been replaced, my money is on them. It's a fast and easy DIY. The rears are a bit more involved but not a major PITA. What tests have you performed on the front and rear suspensions to arrive at your conclusions? Just trying to rule out some possibilities.
How long have you owned the car? I'm curious if there could have ever been any work done on it that may be unknown to you.
