Loose steering - Possible causes?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 165
From: Motor City
Loose steering - Possible causes?
So I have a fair amount of play in the steering of my 93. With the front wheels off the ground and hands at the 9 and 3 positions, there is a noticeable amount of movement.
Now onto the causes. The outer tie rods are brand new with no play, so it is not them. Other causes I could think of are 1) inner tie rods and 2) play in the steering rack. However i'm not sure how to differentiate or isolate a rack from an inner tie rod.
1) Inner tie rods - What is the proper way to diagnose these?
2) Steering rack - Is there an adjustment to tighten it up?
Any other causes for play in the steering wheel?
I'd like to narrow it down and understand the issue rather than throwing parts at it.
Now onto the causes. The outer tie rods are brand new with no play, so it is not them. Other causes I could think of are 1) inner tie rods and 2) play in the steering rack. However i'm not sure how to differentiate or isolate a rack from an inner tie rod.
1) Inner tie rods - What is the proper way to diagnose these?
2) Steering rack - Is there an adjustment to tighten it up?
Any other causes for play in the steering wheel?
I'd like to narrow it down and understand the issue rather than throwing parts at it.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,302
Likes: 2
From: colchester CT
I have a similar problem with my 96. I put on new bearings, tie rod ends, sway bar bushings and shocks. I took the rack out to check the inner tie rods and they seemed fine. I have read some other threads and also received some advice regarding the intermediate shaft as a possible cause so you might want to check that out. Even though its expensive and a bit of a PITA I think I am going to have my steering rack rebuilt by Turn One and then put in a new/refurbished intermediate shaft. Prior to owning this 96, I had an 86 and went through a lot of the same things and that car was so tight and drove and turned so nice that I cant stand the difference. Also, check out your A-Arm bushings as well. Ahh, what the heck, rebuild everything and take the time to polish up all the aluminum and make it look pretty. I am just trying to hold out until winter to do all this. Good luck with it
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,426
Likes: 165
From: Motor City
Thanks for the reply. I checked the intermediate shaft and it seemed tight.
Did a push and pull on the inner tie rods with the tires on the ground, and the drivers side had a small amount of movement. I think this is something to look further into.
Question is, can the inner tie rod be serviced? And if so, can it be done with the rack in?
Did a push and pull on the inner tie rods with the tires on the ground, and the drivers side had a small amount of movement. I think this is something to look further into.
Question is, can the inner tie rod be serviced? And if so, can it be done with the rack in?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 2,184
Likes: 381
From: Lunenburg MA
Put the front end on jack stands, have someone jiggle the steering wheel back and forth a few degrees, take a flashlight and look. It's usually pretty obvious if you watch for a few mins.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 579
Likes: 120
From: Grapevine TX
Do you have any kind of a light click noise as you move the wheel back and forth? Mine was sloppy and had the click, did a search and found a writeup on checking and rebuilding the rag joint at CAC. http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/...lay-wheel.html
I rebuilt mine, it's now nice and tight and the click is gone.
I rebuilt mine, it's now nice and tight and the click is gone.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 23
From: mesa az
Worth a shot but there is a bolt at the end of the intermediate steering section. Check right where it connects to the rack and pinion. I had play in my steering until I tightened down on it. Free !!
