My steering box (ws6 2@1/4)seems nice and tight but i have a little play in my steeringwheel before the wheels start to turn. The pitman arm thing that is attached to the steering box moves immediatley when I turn the wheel BUT the linkage has a little play in it before it moves. The bolt that connects the steering box arm to the linkage is tight but has a little less than a centimeter of play before it moves the linkage bar. I also can jiggle my tie rod ends even though they are bolted tight to the wheels. I have greased all the fittings and made sure everything is tight. I think 18years wore it out. HOW much play is there supposed to be where the linkage bar bolts to the steering box arm? How much play is there supposed to be in the tie rod ends? I would guess none. The car stull steers fine and goes straight when I let go of the wheel, but I want to get rid of the play.

 

ok, took the car to class again. I was told there should be zero play in the steering linkage. My centerlink bar and driver side tie rod ends are worn and loose, guess its time for new ones.

 

ok there should be play up and down on the linkage. all GM cars will have play up and down, i forget the exact amount though so whoever told you that is wrong. there should be NO play on the tie rods. get those replaced. after replacing them youll need an alignment. i would get one anyways so the tech/mech can check out the rest of your front end and tell you if anything else is abnormaly worn. plus it will tighten the wheel for you so youll have no loose steering

 

True, I meant to say zero play at the tie rod ends and center link bolt ends, thats where my jiggle is coming from. I might as well doo all the parts that will require an alignment and only have to pay for one. I guess ill add struts and balljoints and checking out strut mount bearings, (get my moneys worth out of the alignment)

 

very wise decision. i think youll see that its well worth it. will ride like a whole new car

 

be sure to check the idler arm. These are notorious for wearing out.