Play in my steering Need help please

[Mischief7m]

Hey guys

Well like the title says, I have about 40 degrees of free play in my steering. (20 left 20 right) it likes to walk around on the highway, and it is beginning to get worse and worse.

I'll be able to get under the car tomorrow and check for play. But I was hoping to get some possible insight as to what is going wrong.

There are no vibrations or sounds with turning, ruling out wheel bearings and ball joints. I'm just hoping it's not my rack going bad. I think it's tie rod ends.

But I would appreciate any input on what to check and look for.

Thanks guys,
-Trevor

 

[Guyana00]

Take it to a shop and get it check out. Or if you can check it in your garage check it. There could be a lot of places where the play is coming from. With that little information, best to jus look and see where it's coming from.

 

[Davismj711]

mischief

Do not think you need a shop to determine the free play you described. It will take some checking though.

Areas to check,

Intermediate shaft u-joint. Located on shaft after it exits the firewall.

Rack - Depending on how many miles these do eventually develop some free play.

Tie rod ends.

Rack Bushings.

 

[Guyana00]

I recommended my shop because they check for free. Then I go home and fix it myself

 

[Poodles]

More than likely the rack bushings are shot...

 

[Mischief7m]

More than likely the rack bushings are shot...

Thanks for the info guys. I'll def me working on it tomorrow. I got stuck fixing my moms car today. But I'll be sure to post what the prob is... Should I find it.