I am having an issue with my 98 v6 camaro darting to the left and right while driving straight. If I hit a bump or something it will move either way. PS pump has been replaced, tires balanced. 1-2" play in steering wheel. Does this sound like the rack or something else I need to check? Thanks

 

Excessive toe-in will make it behave like that.

 

By 1-2" play in the steering wheel, are you indicating that the steering wheel can be moved back and forth as much as 2" before the wheels move? That would be excessive, and would indicate severely worn steering components. Could be anything, from the rag joint to the rack to the end links, to the wheel bearings.

 

Yes, the steering wheel has that much play before the wheels move.So, if I take it in to get an alignment, will they be able to tell me more specifically what is fubared and needs replaced so I don't start replacing things that are not needed?

 

Tell them you need the car inspected before an alignment is done (the shop should check it out anyway, but you never know).

They should be able to narrow it down pretty quickly and show you what is loose if you want to see it.

Most of the time your complaint means bad tie rod joints, but it could be something else, so definitely get it checked out before replacing parts.

Loose parts will throw the alignment off, which in turn can make the car get very twitchy.

 

I took it for another ride tonight, and it seems to pull most of the time to the left. I have to hold the wheel to the right to keep it straight, then sometimes I can let it go and it will go straight for a couple seconds, then back to the left. I will take it in and have it checked out. Thanks