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Play/slop in steering 89 C4

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Old May 11, 2025 | 11:12 PM
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Default Play/slop in steering 89 C4

I’ve noticed a bit of play and slop in steering. The car corners phenomenally but there’s just a bit of slop in the steering wheel. it’s most noticeable when driving straight down the highway. It catches groves in the road more than I’d like. Nothing unsafe but it subtracts from confidence in the car. I was thinking to start by chanting out the sway-bar and A-arm bushings. Not looking to squeeze every last bit of performance from the car, just looking to restore OEM performance.
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Old May 11, 2025 | 11:51 PM
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The first check I'd think that costs nothing would be the condition of the intermediate steering shaft 'rag-joint'. Tie rods next and then bushings, sway bar and control arms.
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Old May 12, 2025 | 12:16 AM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
The first check I'd think that costs nothing would be the condition of the intermediate steering shaft 'rag-joint'. Tie rods next and then bushings, sway bar and control arms.
Rag joint?
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Old May 12, 2025 | 12:30 AM
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Originally Posted by Five.five-six
Rag joint?
Yes ... intermediate steering shaft coupling!
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Old May 12, 2025 | 12:54 AM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
Yes ... intermediate steering shaft coupling!

What am I looking for? It seems intact.



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Old May 12, 2025 | 01:06 AM
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Have someone left/right the steering wheel while you observe. It will either be a very positive reaction or possibly a bit sloppy/erratic. Next after you mention the driving I'd think tie rods then bushings, sway-bar, ball joints etc. All of which age or high mileage could be considered maintenance.
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Old May 12, 2025 | 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
Have someone left/right the steering wheel while you observe. It will either be a very positive reaction or possibly a bit sloppy/erratic. Next after you mention the driving I'd think tie rods then bushings, sway-bar, ball joints etc. All of which age or high mileage could be considered maintenance.
I’d suspect it’s more the 37 years than the 70K mi. My 2020 2500HD is firmer in the steering than the vette and it has twice the mileage.


Any advice on where to source the parts? I prefer pay for quality and just want it to work. Not looking for some “upgrade” that’s not needed.
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Old May 22, 2025 | 11:07 PM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
Have someone left/right the steering wheel while you observe. It will either be a very positive reaction or possibly a bit sloppy/erratic. Next after you mention the driving I'd think tie rods then bushings, sway-bar, ball joints etc. All of which age or high mileage could be considered maintenance.

I ordered tie rod ends and front suspension bushings, I’m spending memorial weekend inspecting and replacing. I figured as long as I’m going to have it apart, might as well replace the front shocks too. I believe they are original. Wish me luck.
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Old May 23, 2025 | 07:22 PM
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how likely is it the rack and pinion?
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