Whats up guys, I am starting to get a good bit of play in my steering wheel again. Which, is a pain in the *** when I accelerate hard. I think last time I had them changed, it wasn't very long ago. I think maybe I should get some better quality ones than the stock ones then. Any ideas as to if these even exist? Or am I going in the wrong direction, and this isn't even the problem. Thanks!

 

Yeah, it's called a rag joint. It goes in the steering shaft. It is made of reinforced rubber and is designed to help keep vibrations out of the steering wheel from the road. I changed mine out to an aluminum piece. Got mine from unbalanced engineering. It's called a rag joint eliminator. Make sure you have a grinder. I tried everything on a drill, and had to eventually buy one to grind the rivits off. You'll see what I mean when you replace it. It comes with instructions too for around $20.

 

Hey, I have quite a bit of play in my steering as well. When I get under the car, all of the play is in the joint where the steering column enters into the rack and pinion. Is this what you refer to having already replaced once? And is this where the "rag joint" is installed.

Any help would be great. I am planning on replacing the rack and pinion this weekend.

 

well I looked at where the rag joint is, and its solid. Ever right past it - also solid. I think I have a problem down under the car. I need to get it on a lift this weekend.
Rag joint is under the plastic cover right next to the drivers side header

 

I've got some steering wheel play too. I have the rag joint eliminator, new front suspension with poly bushings, new ball joints, and tie rod ends, and still have some play. The car steers great but the steering wheel can rotate about a 1/2" with no change in direction. I tried tightening the bearing on the steering rack...no change in play, just stiffer movement of the steering wheel.

 

Where's the bearing on the steering rack? Just curios. Thanks,

Kyle

 

Shoebox's site has everything!

http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech2.html#rack_preload

 

But what does this help?

 

In theory it's supposed to help with steering slop...no help in my case.

 

Anybody know of other sources for steering slop?

 

Wheel bearings. Check them with the wheel off the ground.

 

Like Steve said, check the bearings. Also, do not let the looks of the rag joint fool you. Mine looked fine from the outside, it felt fine when I yanked on it, but when we took it off just to be sure, it literally disintegrated in my father's hands. I replaced it with a new GM unit, and now I have no play in my steering, it feels great.

 

Wheel bearings are fine; no play when I push/pull the top/bottom of the wheel. I've got a rag joint eliminator so it's not the rag joint. Completely rebuild front suspension (upper/lower bushings, outer tie rod ends, upper/lower ball joints). I suspect the steering rack as the source of the play.