Anyone know what causes really sloppy steering? It is just really, REALLY soft when you drive, and it won't actually turn until you're well into turning the wheel, any tips?

 

check your ball joints, tie rod ends, etc. Also torque your steering box and idler arms.... sometimes they get loose. Also maybe check the joints on your steering shaft.

 

After replacing 100% of the steering components, new bushings, and a new steering box, I found about 80% of the sloppy steering to be in the steering shaft joints. I couldnt locate a OEM replacement for the rag joint, or an aftermarket part that fit correctly and had to build my own. If you find that this shaft needs rebuilding, do youself a favor and source a good used unit from a wrecking yard. They're cheap.

 

I read something about a center link on the internet and it being replaced, but costing well over $200 for one. Anyone know? I'll check all the joints.

 

The center link;
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...381+4294839070

This part doesnt usually wear out but, should probably be included into a total front suspension rebuild. By it'self, replacement of this part probably wont cure sloppy steering ill's. Visit Summit or any other parts suppliers to get pricing for all of the front end suspension parts you'll need.

BTW, none of them will have the steering shaft previously discussed.

Good luck

 

On ebay you can buy a new intermediate shaft ( goes between the steering column and steering box) for $100.00.

 

Hey Captain, Jack up your front end and check your ball joints and rod ends...then get back to the thread.

If you don't know how to properly check those items, please ask for help!
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WHy the hell is this in the Engine forum?

 

How do u properly check for ball joints. I know what new ones are like, but how do i know if the ones on my car need replacment?

 

To check your ball joints jack up the front end and wiggle the tire with your hands on the top and bottom of the tire. This is not the best way but iit will tell you if you have loose ball joints or a bad wheel bearing. To check tie rods wiggle the tire side to side with your hands on the sides of the tire. if it is loose than thats bad. The best way the check ball joint is to put the car on a lift. Needs to be a post lift. Go underneath the car and pull down on the lower control arm. If you feel or see movement in your ball joint then it is bad. Also it doesn't sound like its the steering wheel shaft. The u-joint on the shaft ussually binds up and then you have hard steering or you can feel it bind up in the steering wheel.

Trust me i'm ASE Certified in Steering and Suspension.

 

I bought a used one off ebay for 15 and a HELP! ragjoint from autozone for 8 and put it together myself. little bit cheaper.