hey guys i have about 1 inch of slack in my steering wheel to where if i turn it right left it jiggles back and forth about 1inch of all play. what could this be from? steering components worn out or could it be the rack? car is a 98 A4 with 145k miles

 

I have heard of this happening when the intermediate shaft lower coupling comes loose. The bolt should be tightened to 25 ft/lbs.

 

lol i read your mind mark. i just did that it made it probably a tiny bit bet but it was already very tight. could it be from worn out tie rod ends?

 

There are several things it could be. Your best bet is to have someone turn the wheel while you are under the car looking for slack in any of the steering components (best done on a ramp type lift). If it looks like the steering shaft is moving before any movement is noticeable from the steering rack it is probably the rack and pinion gear bearing preload adjustment. The manual calls for this adjustment to be made with the rack off the vehicle.

 

thank you mark!!!

 

Preload adjustment? Never heard of it

anyone do this?

 

From the service manual:

Document ID# 102852
1998 Chevrolet/Geo Corvette
Rack and Pinion Gear Rack Bearing Preload Adjustment - Off Vehicle
Adjustment Procedure




1. Loosen the adjuster plug lock nut (5).
2. Turn the adjuster plug (4) clockwise until it bottoms in gear assembly.
3. Back off the adjuster plug (4) 50 degrees to 70 degrees (approximately one flat).
4. Make adjustment with front wheels raised and steering wheel centered.
5. Check returnability of the steering wheel to center after adjustment.

Notice

Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.
6. Lock the nut to the adjuster plug.
Tighten

Tighten the lock nut to 68 N·m (50 lb ft) while holding adjuster plug stationary.

Document ID# 102852
1998 Chevrolet/Geo Corvette

And yes, I have done it.

Although the manual lists this procedure as off car, if you read the instructions they are a bit conflicted. I have done one off the vehicle and one on the vehicle with the same results.

 

thank you ill give that a shot

 

mine did that also.drove me crazy....ended up being that coupling bolt. it seemed tight but when i had someone turn the steering wheel back in forth i found out thats what it was...i torqued it down tight and fixed it....

 

This thread is outstanding

 

I had slop show up in my wheel as well when I swapped my cam out. I put the arm of god on the pinch bolt with no success, but I do see that's where the problem is. Are there any other fixes for this? IE: shims?

 

I would take the coupling apart and make sure it is clean and grease free. Rather than use "the arm of god" I would try a torque wrench and tighten to 25 ft/lbs as the manual calls for.

I have never heard of any shims but maybe someone else has.

 

I'll give that a try..

 

What year is your car?

 

ill try that as well. mine is pretty dirty. car is my DD. but it does seem to show the slack in the rack. i just need to find some time to tear that apart