excessive play

[Rcdriver45]

why does my steering have excessive play in it? its fine when im turning but when i go straight it has play in it. its an 87 mustang lx with power steering.

 

[Red_LX]

Usually that's a sign of worn out inner and/or outer tie rods, but it could also point at ball joints that are going out.

Jack the car up, grab the front tires and wiggle them up and down, and side to side. That'll show you whether or not you've got a bunch of slop in anything.

 

[RustBucket]

Check the rag joint where the steering shaft meets the rack. Very common problem, relatively easy fix.

 

[Rcdriver45]

Can you send me instructions on how to do that. The rag joint thanks