Play in the Steering Wheel
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,811
Likes: 2
From: Simpsonville SC
Play in the Steering Wheel
I drove my Vette a long distance for the first time in a long time. I notice some play in the streeing wheel. Any suggestions? If so how to fix it? Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 452
Likes: 2
From: Lynnfield MA
I guess the question is what you mean by "play".
There is actual, mechanical problems, where the tie rods are worn,
and you can turn the steering wheel a little bit from side to side
and see no motion of the front tires, then there is "on center feel",
which is strictly an alignment problem, where the front wheels are
either too toe-out or too toe-in, and it just feels sloppy.
Year, miles, last time you did an alignment??
There is actual, mechanical problems, where the tie rods are worn,
and you can turn the steering wheel a little bit from side to side
and see no motion of the front tires, then there is "on center feel",
which is strictly an alignment problem, where the front wheels are
either too toe-out or too toe-in, and it just feels sloppy.
Year, miles, last time you did an alignment??
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 4,811
Likes: 2
From: Simpsonville SC
I guess the question is what you mean by "play".
There is actual, mechanical problems, where the tie rods are worn,
and you can turn the steering wheel a little bit from side to side
and see no motion of the front tires, then there is "on center feel",
which is strictly an alignment problem, where the front wheels are
either too toe-out or too toe-in, and it just feels sloppy.
Year, miles, last time you did an alignment??
There is actual, mechanical problems, where the tie rods are worn,
and you can turn the steering wheel a little bit from side to side
and see no motion of the front tires, then there is "on center feel",
which is strictly an alignment problem, where the front wheels are
either too toe-out or too toe-in, and it just feels sloppy.
Year, miles, last time you did an alignment??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 7,370
Likes: 8
From: Slave to the evil empire
Cruise-In V Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04
Check the bolt that attaches the steering shaft to the rack and pinion, it's a 13mm bolt and if you look straight down from the alternator you'll see it, I've never heard of one coming loose but if it's not tight then the steering wheel will have a little slop in it.
After that I'd check the tie rod ends.
After that I'd check the tie rod ends.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 452
Likes: 2
From: Lynnfield MA
or alignment. With the miles and time since your last alignment,
it could still be either one.
If you put the car up and pull the front wheels, you can pretty
easily check the condition of the tie rod ends. They should
pivot, but have some drag. If the tie rod feels loose, then
that's likely the problem. If the tie rods feel tight, then it's
probably alignment.
In theory, a good alignment shop will check the condition of your
tie rod ends before doing an alignment, since the alignment really
won't "take" if the tie rods are sloppy. And they will almost
certainly replace them for you if you discover they are worn,
since you'll need an alignment after replacing them anyway.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,774
Likes: 363
From: Midland TX
Sounds like you may experiencing the same thing I was last week when I picked my car up from the dealership - might check out this thread for the solution if it is the same issue...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1696487
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1696487
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