It almost seems like when I am driving there is about 1/4"-1/2" of play in the steering wheel. The outer tie rods are new, along with the control arms. Any suggestions?

I thought I had 1/4 inch freeplay on my steering wheel. I did not bother with it as specs was 1/4 inch (until this morning, thanks to your post).

I decided to check a bit more this morning after getting to work. One way to test is to open the lower steering column shroud. Then turn the wheel. If the wheel turns and the column doesn't, then it is probably the wheel lock nut. Have to remove the air bag to get to the wheel lock nut.

If the wheel and column turn together, then looking under the dash will confirm if it is the universal or the gearing by the rack.

I guess I know what I will do if I really want to test it.

Once thing though, I thought it was 1/4 inch freeplay (at the steering wheel). I measured it and it turned out to be 1/8 inch. I guess 1/8 inch is a lot when you are used to zero-inch freeplay. Do measure the freeplay at the wheel and see exactly what it is.

Found out it was missing a bolt in the column (eeks) all better now
Thanks stazi

Originally posted by starjammir:

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Found out it was missing a bolt in the column (eeks) all better now
Thanks stazi

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I guess I know what to look for if I decide to fix the 1/8 inch freeplay of mine.