Guys,

My car drives a little loose. However I'm not sure if its due to worn parts or by design. Maybe steering box vs rack and pinion type thing.

While under my car the other day, I began inspecting my steering components. I noticed I can move my center link up and down slightly, maybe 1/16-1/8 inch. I looks like the movement is where it connects to the idler arm. Is this normal? Should there be any play in the steering components?

Also when I put a wrench on the steering column i can rotate it probably 15 degrees before the steering box provides any resistance. I do not see any play in the rag joint. Is this within spec? Sounds like I need to adjust the steering box.

Thanks,

John

 

Sounds like the box is done.

When new, these cars had no slop in the steering at all. If you have some, something is worn out.

 

http://www.monte-list.nu/tech/boxmesh.shtml

I might give this adjustment a try before I go get a new box.

I find it shocking how fast parts wear out on a car that has 66k miles on it.

 

I had the same situation on my 87 IROC with play in my Idler arm. So I replaced all the front steering parts ( used the Spohn kit) and lower ball joints. Problem corrected, now NO slop in the steering wheel. 22yr old parts do wear out.

 

I swapped the center-link on my Formula at 170K miles.
It was almost like a new car after that. Change it, you'll
be glad you did. benny

 

I have seen both the Spohn kit at $299 and this one

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ball-...1%7C240%3A1318

at $179

Any ideas?

 

You have to make up your own mind, PRICE (e-bay) vs QUALITY (Spohn)......

 

I guess thats what i was asking.. i've never bought parts from ebay or Spohn..

 

Since you are asking about Spohn, I have bought a number of big ticket items from them over the years and NEVER had a problem with the parts fitting or the Quality. Some parts that say bolt on for 3rd gen cars do not work out that way and this from experience. Again I never had this problem with parts from Spohn Performance. Last item I purchased was the steering kit.

 

sounds good.. as I'm in the Middle East i need to know that I can order with confidence