steering play
#2
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Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: steering play
Need a better definition of your "steering wheel play. Like...WHERE is the play at? Could be in the steering box, could be in the steering column.
Can't tell, until we know where the play is.
Can't tell, until we know where the play is.
#4
Re: steering play
Open the hood and follow the steering shaft. Move the steering wheel a bit from side to side and focus on the joints to look for play. I know there is something called the rag joint that often loosens up over time.
On my car, I got rid of about 90% of the play by simply tightening a bolt at the first joint.
There is also a way to tighten up your steering box. (But be careful, I've heard of guys ruining their steering boxes by over-tightening.)
Actually, be careful whatever you do--you don't want to make something worse or lose your steering. I just tightened a bit a little at a time, and test-drove after each change.
I'm sure you'll find lots of info on this board with a search that may help.
On my car, I got rid of about 90% of the play by simply tightening a bolt at the first joint.
There is also a way to tighten up your steering box. (But be careful, I've heard of guys ruining their steering boxes by over-tightening.)
Actually, be careful whatever you do--you don't want to make something worse or lose your steering. I just tightened a bit a little at a time, and test-drove after each change.
I'm sure you'll find lots of info on this board with a search that may help.
#6
Senior Member
Re: steering play
I just had my steering box replaced a couple weeks ago and it was a world of difference. Bring it to your mechanic and have him check it out. I tried adjusting my steering box and just made everything worse.
#7
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Car: 89 IROC/Z28
Engine: 350 TPI 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
Re: steering play
Thanks guys i will check it out and see if it is something that i would like to tackle on my own or just take it to don.
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#12
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Car: 87 GTA
Engine: L98
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: Dana M78 3.27 posi
Re: steering play
Do this before it comes apart internally & you lose all control of steering....https://www.thirdgen.org/steeringcolumn I paid a local shop $100 & got the car back in a few hours. Takes special tools that I don't have (most people don't) and all I had to do was drive over there & hand him my keys.
#13
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Car: 1991 Camaro RS
Engine: L98 350 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: ZT LSD with 3.42 - LS1 brakes
Re: steering play
no, the column only wiggles up and down, but the wheel its self wiggles when i brake (a completely different issue, i know).
So many things that need to get fixed... so little money...
So many things that need to get fixed... so little money...
#14
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Car: 1990 Camaro RS
Engine: V8 305 TBI
Transmission: W/C T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: steering play
What you guys are referring to is different from 11-1 o'clock steering play right?
#15
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Car: 1991 camaro RS
Engine: 305-LT1 swap
Transmission: 700
Re: steering play
yeah my steering wheel has some play to it as well. i can see the problem, it seems that all my ball joints, tie rod ends ect ect. need to be replaced they look pretty bad! lift your car from the front and wiggle the wheels side to side to see if they themselves have any play. might pick this up from ebay
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ball-...Q5fAccessories
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ball-...Q5fAccessories
#16
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Car: 1990 Camaro RS
Engine: V8 305 TBI
Transmission: W/C T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
Re: steering play
Eh? How would this compare to MOOG parts? You get what you pay for, you know?
#17
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Car: 1991 camaro RS
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Transmission: 700
#18
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Car: 1990 Camaro RS
Engine: V8 305 TBI
Transmission: W/C T5
Axle/Gears: 3.08
#19
Re: steering play
The play I have is when I turn the steering wheel to the left, it responds correctly. However, when I turn it to the right, there is about 1.5 inch of non-response then it starts to turn. So is it the column or the box?
#20
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Car: '85 Camaro Z28, '90 300zx
Engine: 350 4 bolt main TPI
Transmission: 700 r4 automatic
Axle/Gears: ? not there yet, i know its stock
Re: steering play
Check the column first, have someone turn the steering wheel as you look at the column to see if the column has play. Look at the rag joint too.
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