how would i get rid of steering wheel 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.

 

How can you tell?

 

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.

 

If you're referring to the steering wheel feeling loose, it is probably due to the bolts inside the tilt column coming loose. I've done this repair and have a fixit file with photos if you need it.

 

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.

 

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.

 

can you send it to me?

 

for duck

 

Of course, what's your email?

 

Duck,

Can I get a copy of that too? Mine column is so loose that i can wiggle it up and down while driving... lol...

 

Does yours go side to side too? Basically...It can "wiggle" in a circle?

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.

 

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...

 

What you guys are referring to is different from 11-1 o'clock steering play right?

 

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

 

Eh? How would this compare to MOOG parts? You get what you pay for, you know?

 

yeah i know i just dont have the money right now otherwise i would go with moog but these will do for now. the ones i have now are in much worst shape

 

I agree, good point.

 

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?

 

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.