Front End
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Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Cornwall N.Y
Front End
I have a 94 3.0 with 145,000 miles. Iv'e had it used for 2 months now. I noticed there is a lot of play in the steering wheel. The alignment is fine and the tires seem to be wearing properly. Any ideas on how to tighten the steering. It almost seems as if it's too loose. Thanks for any help.
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 3,818
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Hello and welcome to FTE!
If your alignment specialist agrees there is no excessive play in the tie rod ends, the other place you could see excess play is in the pinch bolt that connects the steering column linkage to the power steering rack. If you follow the steering column linkage down from where it exits the firewall to just above the power steering rack, you will find a connection sleeve and fairly good size bolt that forms the connection between the two shafts. Leave the engine off and have an assistant move the steering wheel back and forth while you inspect the connection for movement. If you can get your hands on the area above and below the connection joint you can often "feel" movement better than you can visualize it. Even a small amount of loose play at the connection joint will translate into a large amount of steering wheel play. Try tightening the pinch bolt further if you detect play there.
If your alignment specialist agrees there is no excessive play in the tie rod ends, the other place you could see excess play is in the pinch bolt that connects the steering column linkage to the power steering rack. If you follow the steering column linkage down from where it exits the firewall to just above the power steering rack, you will find a connection sleeve and fairly good size bolt that forms the connection between the two shafts. Leave the engine off and have an assistant move the steering wheel back and forth while you inspect the connection for movement. If you can get your hands on the area above and below the connection joint you can often "feel" movement better than you can visualize it. Even a small amount of loose play at the connection joint will translate into a large amount of steering wheel play. Try tightening the pinch bolt further if you detect play there.
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BigBlue92
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Sep 6, 2011 10:34 PM
