Steering Play

Meanstreets · Post by **Meanstreets** » 06 Nov 2010, 14:41

I'm looking into sloppy steering feel on my 1997 855 T5. My main complaint is that there is a bit of slop in the wheel and it is vague on-center. The car was recently aligned after I replaced the driver side control arm/ball joint.When I was under the car today I notice it is easy to twist/rotate the tie rod & ends by hand. The car was up on ramps.
Is this play in the tie rods normal?
Where else should I look? The suspension isn't noisy/clunky, so there is nothing obvious to there. Are there any other bushings in the steering and front suspension that could be overly worn? Is there a rubber bushing in the lower steering couple?
Thanks!

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 06 Nov 2010, 16:24

Twisting is fine on the tie rods, lateral movement of any kind is bad but keep one wheel on the ground as you check for slop in the rack or it will trick you.

Also check the bushings and end links in the rear suspension - it will give the same sensation when they wear out.

...Lee

Post by **Red-Arrow** » 06 Nov 2010, 16:54

Check wheel play whiles its on the deck and in the air. It could be a wheel bearing. I just read that worn spring seats can cause bad alignment, its something I'm looking into.

Meanstreets · Post by **Meanstreets** » 15 Nov 2010, 12:52

So following up on the bushings on the rear of the car, how much play is too much? Watching the video, are the bushings here shot? Both sides show similar movement. Is it time to replace? Is this DIY?