play in steering...
12-12-2017, 09:28 AM
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play in steering...
Hi guys..I'm not mechanically inclined at all so bear with the dumb questions...Is it possible for me to fix my 'play' in the steering myself? I have adjusted the steering box as much as I can and I still feel unsure driving it because I can't hold the car in a straight line while driving, simply by holding onto the steering wheel.
12-12-2017, 11:58 AM
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Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: play in steering...
Is it possible for me to fix
)A: Am I a brain surgeon?
I can't answer your question because I don't know how it's possible to be "not mechanically inclined". Mechanical stuff is pretty simple really; part A pushes on part B, which makes part C rotate, and stuff like that. If an epsilon-minus sub-moron like me can "get it", surely someone like you can, as well. Now, availability of tools, and such as that, might complicate matters; but that's a different subject.
A better way to attack the question might be to tell us what part has play in it.
12-12-2017, 01:50 PM
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Re: play in steering...
Q: Is it possible for me to do brain surgery? (and the patient to live, besides )
A: Am I a brain surgeon?
I can't answer your question because I don't know how it's possible to be "not mechanically inclined". Mechanical stuff is pretty simple really; part A pushes on part B, which makes part C rotate, and stuff like that. If an epsilon-minus sub-moron like me can "get it", surely someone like you can, as well. Now, availability of tools, and such as that, might complicate matters; but that's a different subject.
A better way to attack the question might be to tell us what part has play in it.
)A: Am I a brain surgeon?
I can't answer your question because I don't know how it's possible to be "not mechanically inclined". Mechanical stuff is pretty simple really; part A pushes on part B, which makes part C rotate, and stuff like that. If an epsilon-minus sub-moron like me can "get it", surely someone like you can, as well. Now, availability of tools, and such as that, might complicate matters; but that's a different subject.
A better way to attack the question might be to tell us what part has play in it.
Last edited by elektrik; 12-12-2017 at 01:54 PM.
12-12-2017, 01:51 PM
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12-12-2017, 04:34 PM
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Re: play in steering...
Not sure where ANYTHING I said was not "in a respectful way"? Or are you just some kind of "alternate winner" with lots of "participant trophies" on your shelf, that me poking fun at myself for being the idiot that I am, offends you? Remember, you're the one asking for help, and I'm the one offering it; I don't "have to" do anything at all on your behalf if I don't want to. I'm just being nice to you for no particular reason.
Mechanical things are SIMPLE in a general way. You can LOOK AT them and see what they do. Steering is PARTICULARLY simple, because it's all just sitting there right out in the open where you can LOOK AT IT. Which of course makes it SIMPLE to simply LOOK AT IT and see if one part that pushes/pulls on another, has to bang around loosely in free space before it can start doing its job of pushing/pulling on the other one. If you can identify such a thing, then bingo, you just found the/a culprit.
You would most readily accomplish this by having your assistant simply sit in the driver's seat with the key in the Off or On position (not Lock, and doesn't have to be running) and shake the steering wheel from side to side gently, while you are up under there where you can LOOK AT the steering linkage; and identify which parts are moving like they're supposed to as the steering wheel moves, and which ones sit still while the ones pushing/pulling on them are moving. Really, it's not that hard.
One would find the alignment specs on the sheet that the alignment service provided when you had it aligned to see if the alignment was the root cause of your issue. Let's hope it's not set to the stock alignment specs, because they SUCK, and will aggravate any other tendency that might cause the car to wander and have a vague "center".
There's one part that is a bit more complicated to observe, namely the ball joint(s); it takes a floor jack and a 2x4 to see the play in one of those. It's not exactly "steering", it's more "suspension", but can also cause a car to wander. But start with the simple stuff first. See if the steering is tight.
Mechanical things are SIMPLE in a general way. You can LOOK AT them and see what they do. Steering is PARTICULARLY simple, because it's all just sitting there right out in the open where you can LOOK AT IT. Which of course makes it SIMPLE to simply LOOK AT IT and see if one part that pushes/pulls on another, has to bang around loosely in free space before it can start doing its job of pushing/pulling on the other one. If you can identify such a thing, then bingo, you just found the/a culprit.
You would most readily accomplish this by having your assistant simply sit in the driver's seat with the key in the Off or On position (not Lock, and doesn't have to be running) and shake the steering wheel from side to side gently, while you are up under there where you can LOOK AT the steering linkage; and identify which parts are moving like they're supposed to as the steering wheel moves, and which ones sit still while the ones pushing/pulling on them are moving. Really, it's not that hard.
One would find the alignment specs on the sheet that the alignment service provided when you had it aligned to see if the alignment was the root cause of your issue. Let's hope it's not set to the stock alignment specs, because they SUCK, and will aggravate any other tendency that might cause the car to wander and have a vague "center".
There's one part that is a bit more complicated to observe, namely the ball joint(s); it takes a floor jack and a 2x4 to see the play in one of those. It's not exactly "steering", it's more "suspension", but can also cause a car to wander. But start with the simple stuff first. See if the steering is tight.
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12-12-2017, 06:26 PM
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Re: play in steering...
Not sure where ANYTHING I said was not "in a respectful way"? Or are you just some kind of "alternate winner" with lots of "participant trophies" on your shelf, that me poking fun at myself for being the idiot that I am, offends you? Remember, you're the one asking for help, and I'm the one offering it; I don't "have to" do anything at all on your behalf if I don't want to. I'm just being nice to you for no particular reason.
Mechanical things are SIMPLE in a general way. You can LOOK AT them and see what they do. Steering is PARTICULARLY simple, because it's all just sitting there right out in the open where you can LOOK AT IT. Which of course makes it SIMPLE to simply LOOK AT IT and see if one part that pushes/pulls on another, has to bang around loosely in free space before it can start doing its job of pushing/pulling on the other one. If you can identify such a thing, then bingo, you just found the/a culprit.
You would most readily accomplish this by having your assistant simply sit in the driver's seat with the key in the Off or On position (not Lock, and doesn't have to be running) and shake the steering wheel from side to side gently, while you are up under there where you can LOOK AT the steering linkage; and identify which parts are moving like they're supposed to as the steering wheel moves, and which ones sit still while the ones pushing/pulling on them are moving. Really, it's not that hard.
One would find the alignment specs on the sheet that the alignment service provided when you had it aligned to see if the alignment was the root cause of your issue. Let's hope it's not set to the stock alignment specs, because they SUCK, and will aggravate any other tendency that might cause the car to wander and have a vague "center".
There's one part that is a bit more complicated to observe, namely the ball joint(s); it takes a floor jack and a 2x4 to see the play in one of those. It's not exactly "steering", it's more "suspension", but can also cause a car to wander. But start with the simple stuff first. See if the steering is tight.
Mechanical things are SIMPLE in a general way. You can LOOK AT them and see what they do. Steering is PARTICULARLY simple, because it's all just sitting there right out in the open where you can LOOK AT IT. Which of course makes it SIMPLE to simply LOOK AT IT and see if one part that pushes/pulls on another, has to bang around loosely in free space before it can start doing its job of pushing/pulling on the other one. If you can identify such a thing, then bingo, you just found the/a culprit.
You would most readily accomplish this by having your assistant simply sit in the driver's seat with the key in the Off or On position (not Lock, and doesn't have to be running) and shake the steering wheel from side to side gently, while you are up under there where you can LOOK AT the steering linkage; and identify which parts are moving like they're supposed to as the steering wheel moves, and which ones sit still while the ones pushing/pulling on them are moving. Really, it's not that hard.
One would find the alignment specs on the sheet that the alignment service provided when you had it aligned to see if the alignment was the root cause of your issue. Let's hope it's not set to the stock alignment specs, because they SUCK, and will aggravate any other tendency that might cause the car to wander and have a vague "center".
There's one part that is a bit more complicated to observe, namely the ball joint(s); it takes a floor jack and a 2x4 to see the play in one of those. It's not exactly "steering", it's more "suspension", but can also cause a car to wander. But start with the simple stuff first. See if the steering is tight.
And frankly, I didn't see any real offer in that first post.
Oh, and P.S. even your 'attempt' at offering help has fallen on deaf ears, mainly because of your attitude, so thanks but no thanks. I'll take my 'participation trophies' and take my chances with others' assistance.
Last edited by elektrik; 12-12-2017 at 06:31 PM.
12-12-2017, 06:29 PM
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Re: play in steering...
Thanks for the help.
12-12-2017, 07:23 PM
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Car: Yes
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Re: play in steering...
basically you're calling yourself an 'epsilon-minus sub-moron"
It's an old dystopia... one of the classics, right up there with "1984" ... surely you've read that? or "Fahrenheit 451"? ... anyway... they clone the various classes of humans, starting with Alpha at the top, Beta for most clerical positions, Gamma and Delta for lesserm more menial, occupations. They of course must create worker classes of humans, and poison them in their test tubes according to the rank of society they are designed for, and the VERY LOWEST, the ones that crawl in sewage or dig hazardous waste or the like, are Epsilon. (you DO remember your Greek alphabet, no??) The lowest of the low, the ones like me, are ... the ones I spoke of.
So, I'll gladly withdraw my offer of help. You're obviously WAY too superior to be helped by such as me. Figure it out on your own. You're too exalted to be shamed into getting up off your lazy as ... keyboard ... and DOING anything to help yourself, as opposed to expecting to be spoon-fed and then getting sand in your lady-parts when something else happens. I'm DONE with your "alternate winner" attitude.
I'll remember your userID and decline to offer knowledge and experience EVEN when/if you decide you're willing to accept it in the future, not that I'm expecting that to ever happen.
12-13-2017, 08:10 AM
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Re: play in steering...
I'm guessing you've never read "Brave New World"?
It's an old dystopia... one of the classics, right up there with "1984" ... surely you've read that? or "Fahrenheit 451"? ... anyway... they clone the various classes of humans, starting with Alpha at the top, Beta for most clerical positions, Gamma and Delta for lesserm more menial, occupations. They of course must create worker classes of humans, and poison them in their test tubes according to the rank of society they are designed for, and the VERY LOWEST, the ones that crawl in sewage or dig hazardous waste or the like, are Epsilon. (you DO remember your Greek alphabet, no??) The lowest of the low, the ones like me, are ... the ones I spoke of.
So, I'll gladly withdraw my offer of help. You're obviously WAY too superior to be helped by such as me. Figure it out on your own. You're too exalted to be shamed into getting up off your lazy as ... keyboard ... and DOING anything to help yourself, as opposed to expecting to be spoon-fed and then getting sand in your lady-parts when something else happens. I'm DONE with your "alternate winner" attitude.
I'll remember your userID and decline to offer knowledge and experience EVEN when/if you decide you're willing to accept it in the future, not that I'm expecting that to ever happen.
It's an old dystopia... one of the classics, right up there with "1984" ... surely you've read that? or "Fahrenheit 451"? ... anyway... they clone the various classes of humans, starting with Alpha at the top, Beta for most clerical positions, Gamma and Delta for lesserm more menial, occupations. They of course must create worker classes of humans, and poison them in their test tubes according to the rank of society they are designed for, and the VERY LOWEST, the ones that crawl in sewage or dig hazardous waste or the like, are Epsilon. (you DO remember your Greek alphabet, no??) The lowest of the low, the ones like me, are ... the ones I spoke of.
So, I'll gladly withdraw my offer of help. You're obviously WAY too superior to be helped by such as me. Figure it out on your own. You're too exalted to be shamed into getting up off your lazy as ... keyboard ... and DOING anything to help yourself, as opposed to expecting to be spoon-fed and then getting sand in your lady-parts when something else happens. I'm DONE with your "alternate winner" attitude.
I'll remember your userID and decline to offer knowledge and experience EVEN when/if you decide you're willing to accept it in the future, not that I'm expecting that to ever happen.
Oh and btw, having been a member since 2005 and not having a *single* friend on here is very telling...and not very surprising...
P.S. Since I'm being "SUPERIOR" didn't you mean 'as s' instead of 'as'? And don't worry, I won't resort to name calling, unlike something that seems to freely flow from your mouth. ;-)
P.S.S. Now I understand. You're one of those 'little man' syndrome kind of guys...a quick search of these forums for your user name and I see that you treat everyone with the same disdain as me..Lovely, thanks for including me in such an exclusive club. Don't forget now (I know how you ARE after all) I spell my name ele K tri K..not with "C"...you know, like the things that people use wires to shuttle electricity from?
Last edited by elektrik; 12-13-2017 at 08:20 AM.
12-13-2017, 09:40 AM
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Re: play in steering...
If you have play in steering you should check everything that you see moving when turn steering wheel. The best way to do it is that someone help you with moving steering wheel
and you check where the play is... inner and outer tie rods, even steering shaft can cause problems, Steering column lower "bearing", ball joints... And yes, if you have tools and know what to do, you can fix it yourself. If you don't know how to do it, try to check it on youtube, there is a lot of stuff of how to that can be helpful... If you have any question, feel free to ask...
and you check where the play is... inner and outer tie rods, even steering shaft can cause problems, Steering column lower "bearing", ball joints... And yes, if you have tools and know what to do, you can fix it yourself. If you don't know how to do it, try to check it on youtube, there is a lot of stuff of how to that can be helpful... If you have any question, feel free to ask...
12-13-2017, 09:49 AM
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Re: play in steering...
If you have play in steering you should check everything that you see moving when turn steering wheel. The best way to do it is that someone help you with moving steering wheel
and you check where the play is... inner and outer tie rods, even steering shaft can cause problems, Steering column lower "bearing", ball joints... And yes, if you have tools and know what to do, you can fix it yourself. If you don't know how to do it, try to check it on youtube, there is a lot of stuff of how to that can be helpful... If you have any question, feel free to ask...
and you check where the play is... inner and outer tie rods, even steering shaft can cause problems, Steering column lower "bearing", ball joints... And yes, if you have tools and know what to do, you can fix it yourself. If you don't know how to do it, try to check it on youtube, there is a lot of stuff of how to that can be helpful... If you have any question, feel free to ask...
12-13-2017, 10:13 AM
#16
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Re: play in steering...
If you can get a buddy to move steering wheel and you will hear knocking somewhere, try to locate it. But you can check it yourself, you have to lift up the front end or one wheel at a time. In the video below you see how to even it is not camaro. You don't need tools for checking.
12-13-2017, 10:21 AM
#17
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Re: play in steering...
Center link can also be worn out, so check it too...
12-13-2017, 10:38 AM
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Re: play in steering...
If you can get a buddy to move steering wheel and you will hear knocking somewhere, try to locate it. But you can check it yourself, you have to lift up the front end or one wheel at a time. In the video below you see how to even it is not camaro. You don't need tools for checking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brI2feYiEi8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brI2feYiEi8
12-13-2017, 10:41 AM
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12-13-2017, 11:00 AM
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Re: play in steering...
If we go from the side, first is outer tie rod end, then inner tie rod end and then center link. The longest item in the beginning of the video.
12-13-2017, 11:10 AM
#21
Re: play in steering...
It can also be the idler arm if it's the original in the car along with the almost 30 year old rubber bushings. Best bet would be to replace the entire steering components (minus the steering box and pump) as most places sell them as a complete kit. Take it to a good shop to install and then have the car aligned. Should be good as new. That's another option.
12-13-2017, 11:16 AM
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Re: play in steering...
If we go from the side, first is outer tie rod end, then inner tie rod end and then center link. The longest item in the beginning of the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nFJRU2bK6g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nFJRU2bK6g
12-13-2017, 11:17 AM
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Re: play in steering...
It can also be the idler arm if it's the original in the car along with the almost 30 year old rubber bushings. Best bet would be to replace the entire steering components (minus the steering box and pump) as most places sell them as a complete kit. Take it to a good shop to install and then have the car aligned. Should be good as new. That's another option.
12-13-2017, 11:19 AM
#24
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Re: play in steering...
It can also be the idler arm if it's the original in the car along with the almost 30 year old rubber bushings. Best bet would be to replace the entire steering components (minus the steering box and pump) as most places sell them as a complete kit. Take it to a good shop to install and then have the car aligned. Should be good as new. That's another option.
12-15-2017, 04:53 AM
#26
Re: play in steering...
A lot of times the wandering is due to steering box play.
This post will give you an insight to the steering box and adjustments that can be made
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...build-rag.html
This post will give you an insight to the steering box and adjustments that can be made
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...build-rag.html
12-15-2017, 07:48 AM
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Re: play in steering...
A lot of times the wandering is due to steering box play.
This post will give you an insight to the steering box and adjustments that can be made
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...build-rag.html
This post will give you an insight to the steering box and adjustments that can be made
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/susp...build-rag.html
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