Hi guys I appreciated if you can give me helpful advice.

I Have steering play in my 1990 camaro RS 5.0

I had the tie rod ends replaces inner/outer and the adjusting sleeves and greased the boots.
I also replaced, while at it, the sway bar bushings and link kits.
I had it aligned at a local shop and they recommended to replace the steering gear since they said it was defective.
I took my girl to the shop and got the steering replace. I did noticed less play but its still present.
What else could this be??

This is my current tire setup 245/60R15 in the front and 255/60R15 in the back. I don't know if maybe beefy front tires may cause problems.

Also its about time to replace my lower control arm bushings but this wouldn't affect the steering play would it?

I'm feeling a little sick today and its been raining lately but I'll make an effort to post some pics of the current setup to help solve this problem.

ohhh one more thing. After the steering gear box is replaced does it need an alignment. The shop didn't mention anything (just wondering)

Any help well is appreciated!

 

Here are the pics. Hopefully this helps a lil better

 

A worn idler arm and center link could also be causes. With the age of your car, I'm surprised the shop didn't recommend replacement.

JamesC

 

Thanks I was thinking of changing that anyway since most of the steering parts are old. One question though, I can't seem to find the pitman arm anywhere. I checked Auto zone, Oreilly's, and pepboys... any ideas

 

Non-wear item. It won't require replacement unless it's been somehow damaged in an accident, etc.

JamesC

 

This is a nice kit. I plan to buy this myself.
Spohn

 

I bought that kit + ball joints and it is worth the money. One stop shopping at its best and everything FITS....

 

Check for play at the drag link joint that connects to the pitman arm. have car running and by hand turn the steering column rag joint and watch pitman arm to drag link movement. My 82 had this ball joint worn out and had weird play in the steering.

You will basically see the pitman arm move a bit before the draglink does if it's worn out. Mine moved about 1/8-1/4 inch before the draglink responded

 

thanks for this recommendation mate! I'll check it out today!

 

Have you tryed adjusting the lock screw on top of the steering box?

 

Yes, A-arm bushings affect steering play.
No, you don't need an alignment after replacing the steering box.

 

I haven't. How you go by doing that?

 

i havent. How do you go by doing that?

 

.

 

Removing slop in the GM steering box
Part One
contributed by J. Matthew Daugherty

Tools

3/16" allen wrench
5/8" box end wrench
lubricating oil

Procedure

use oil to lubricate threads of locknut and adjustment plug (right on top, can't miss it)
raise the front end of the car so both front wheels are off the ground
put the box end wrench on the locknut
use allen wrench to hold the adjustment plug at the top of the box
holding the allen wrench stationary, loosen the locknut with the box end wrench several turns
turn the adjustment plug clockwise until snug to remove slack, then back it out 90 degrees.
holding the allen wrench stationary, tighten the locknut, remove wrenches
start car, run steering wheel through full rotation, checking for binding
if binding, repeat steps 3-8, backing out adjustment plug slightly more
lower car from jack (stands) drive car, note improvement!
I was AMAZED at how much slop this took out of the front end of my 131K '86 Monte Carlo SS (factory quick ratio box). I seriously doubt it had ever been done by prior owners.

I had recently put new upper ball joints, inner & outer tie rods with billet tie rod sleeves, 235/60 tires on stock 15x7" wheels, and have much more in store, but this made the biggest difference. Hope it helps someone.

JamesC

 

Replace the Rag Joint in the intermediate steering shaft. Better yet, replace the entire shaft. It's only available After-Market, look on Ebay.