I need a diagnosis for play in the steering of my 85 iroc.

SYMPTOM:Steering wheel is moved then you feel it engage the steering box But there is about a 3/4 inch of play before it reacts
Car does have 113,000 on it.

It realy bothers me at high speed lane changes and must be fixed any guesses would be welcom!

 

I assume you are talking about side play in the steering wheel. Here are a few items that could cause your problem.

1. Worn wheel bearings
2. Loose steering gear mount
3. Loose or worn joints from column to steering gear
4. Misadjusted steering gear.
5. Worn upper ball joints
6. Loosely adjusted steering gear worm bearings
7. excessive pitman shaft to ball nut lash in steering gear
8. Worn relay rod or tie rod sockets.

The Trickster!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

dont have upper ball joints. check the lower ones by jacking up on the control arm underneath the spring to simulate a load. grab the tire and try and move it, play is unacceptable. get underneath and grab the tie rods, center, idler arm, pitman arm and what not and try to shake them, play is unacceptable

 

dont forget the rag coupler on the shaft

 

IM having a similar problem at the moment. When you refer to "play" do you mean any at all? or just side to side?

Because my tie-rod ends can twist up and down on their bushes, but cant move from side to side.

Cheers.

 

85 IROC, Check the nut and bolt on the steering shaft in the engine area. I had play and a clunking sound. I took a 15mm rachet and a long hollow pipe(more torque) and carefully tightend it down. Noise is gone I will check out if there is as much play when I drive it again. I have an exploded pic if you need. Let me know.