I have some play in my steering wheel, about a 1"-2" side to side movement before the car turns. I believe it may be in my steering box. Does anybody know of a good site with how to replace? I am pretty mechanical, working on cars (cams, engibnes, trannies, etc) since I was about 17 (now 32). What sort of difficulty level are we looking at? Thanks,

Kyle

 

We don't have a "box" per se, but a rack and pinion. Not that hard to replace and all of the parts are accessible. However, I would first test to make sure the slack is in the rack and not in the "rag joint" (the middle portion of the steering coupling that has an isolation joint).

 

I am with Shoebox. I seriously doubt it is in your rack and pinion. It is almost impossible unless the pinion bearing went and it was pulling away from the rack before turning it. But then you would have a seal problem and would know it before too long. Check the joint.

 

I pulled the steering joint out when I did headers about 2 years ago. It seems that is when the problem started. I have since pulled it off and looked at the rag joint to check if there any play but didn't notice any. Is there a way to "test" it? I have seen where you can grind/drill the rivets out and replace with bolts/nuts to tighten and that there is a replacement solid joint for about $30. I wouls rather check it first, if you know how. Thanks for the input Rob and Slim.

Kyle

 

I would like more information on this. I just replaced my rack, and I drilled the holes and put bolts w/ the rag but that should eliminate the play. Well it didnt. The steering wheel still sets to the left and the alignment is right. There is still play in the steering wheel also. A friend of mine said that maybe I need to replace the whole steering bar that goes from the wheel to the rack, and/or the ball joints. What do you think?

Tim

 

that is pretty much what mine feels like. Any ideas?

Kyle