For about a year now i have noticed a lot of play in my steering. when it is at center position, it has about 1 to 2 inches of play. my steeing sucks, on the highway it wanders way too much. i was wondering if the rack itself is bad or could it be the rag joint. when i did my flp header install i had to take off that black plastic shield over the steering linkage and never put it back on b/c it was rubbing the headers. I heard that when you get headers it heats up the rag joint and makes the steering sloppy, is this the problem or what is my likely problem. I'm a poor college student that needs some help and i don't want to replace everything but finding out it was only a $5 part!!!!

 

same problem probably rack if you have over 100k

 

By reading about the car you drive and the mods you have done, it dosen't really sound like your a poor college kid. Maybe.............Spoiled?----------> Brad

 

Easy to tell since you have the cover off, just get someone to move the Steering wheel while you watch the Rag Joint, if it's worn you should see the play. HTH.

 

Worn tie rod ends can cause problems too. If thats the cause you will notice your tires wearing on the part closest to engine (inside of tire i guess you would call it)

 

Its just all hard work, have worked at WALMART for 3 and half years stocking shelves and another part time computer job. I bought the car in 99 for 13,800 by myself and i have about 5 months left on the note. i am a poor college student, barely have enough for gas sometimes, all of the mods i've have been entirely paided for by me and all of the mods have been done by me except for welding. Had no help from parents at all.

 

145,600 miles

 

All paid by a college student who works a Walmart? Boy you make me look like a Walfare Case and I have a decent Job!!

Anyway. I noticed the rubber boots on the Tie Rod Ends are tore up in my car. I may just replace them but I also notice a slight play in my steering wheel.

All in all have you checked if any screw came loose in the steering linkage? Long time ago I had that problem on anoter car and sure enough after I fixed it the problem went away.


Marvin

 

i just fixed mine...it was the steering coupler
Brian Powers

 

http://www.unbalancedengineering.com/Camaro/Rag_Joint/

Try This!

 

I'm using the unbalanced rag joint elim kit and it it really nice. But beware, you have to grind off four thick *** rivets. If you don't have good power tools do not attempt it. However for 35+ shipping it fixes slop and when the engine is really hot there is no feeling of soft steering that I got before.