I've got about 1-1.5" of slop in my steering (I can turn the wheel loosely that amount before the wheels start turning). Same either direction. I'd like to start looking into and fixing this before it becomes an issue.

It has slowly gotten worse. The steering linkage by the driver's side header is tight, and I can't physically turn it w/ my hand. The sway-bar bushings and end-links are in decent enough shape. Front suspension is factory original stock. Shock tower mounts are tight w/ shock tower brace firmly mounted (same BMR unit I've used for years).

Any clue where to start?? I haven't looked at anything else steering/suspension wise as the car has had other things to tend to. There are no clunks, rattles, etc. from up front, and the front end behaves around corners and at high speeds.

 

tie rods are ur best bet
check ur fluid , getting any hums or noises

 

Jack the front end up and have a friend turn the steering wheel back and forth while you inspect the linkage. I found that my play was due to the pinion gear moving up and down. Replaced the rack with a rebuilt unit (inclded new inner tie rods and boots) for $132. Problem solved.

 

The rag joint is likely to be the problem.

The headers tend to bake the rubber into dust.

Unbalanced Engineering makes an aluminum block to replace it with.

Z28

 

I have the same problem that has gotten progressively worse, time to start learning more about the front end suspension and steering components. Any more definate answers?

-Dustin-

 

if u got 100K+ miles, it's prob the Rack and pinion.

 

I second the rag-joint suggestion. I had the same problem at around 100K miles and when I took out the rag-joint, it literally disintegrated in my hands. Give that a shot first (actually, this might be also a good opportunity to consider a rag-joint eliminator). Good luck.