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Excessive Play In My Steering Wheel

  • Thread starter Thread starter Foxybody95
  • Start date Start date May 27, 2017
F

Foxybody95

Member
Sep 14, 2015
90
3
8
May 27, 2017
#1
  • May 27, 2017
  • #1
Hey guys. I'm trying to figure out how to fix the play in my steering wheel. I can move itt about an inch or so in both directions before it actually does anything. I know the problem is in the steering column itself because I converted my car to a manual rack and replaced the crappy rag joint steering shaft with a solid one. It seems the play is comming somewhere right behind the wheel. I can reach under my dash grab the column shaft and move the steering wheel back and fourth without moving the column shaft at all. Is there anyway to fix this or do j need a new column?
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 25, 2016
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polk county florida
May 28, 2017
#2
  • May 28, 2017
  • #2
What year and is it tilt?
 
F

Foxybody95

Member
Sep 14, 2015
90
3
8
May 28, 2017
#3
  • May 28, 2017
  • #3
88 and yes it tilts.
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
20+ Year Stangneter
Aug 25, 2016
27,902
10,555
203
polk county florida
May 28, 2017
#4
  • May 28, 2017
  • #4
Take the collar off and see if the bearings are loose or the tilt connection is worn out
You may have to pull the wheel
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,249
17,932
224
Massachusetts
May 28, 2017
#5
  • May 28, 2017
  • #5
Three possibly causes.

#1, pull the horn cover and check the steering wheel bolt to column. See if it's tight, see if the slop is located here.

#2, the steering column under the dash is collapsible. Possibly the slop could be due to a loose interface, but doubtful.

#3, the pinch bolt just inside the firewall. Needs to be very tight, or you get slop.


It could also be the rag joint, but you replaced the shaft with a solid shaft. I would suspect #3 in this case as youbreally need to get the pinch bolt tight.
 
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