Hey everyone. I'm new here, and I hate to be one of those guys who makes an account to just ask for help. But, I don't know what else to do. I have a very large amount of play in my steering wheel, around 2-3" worth. I've done everything to try and fix it. I've read for hours and hours on threads and forums, watched videos and checked out diagrams, but I can't find a solution. Please, can someone help me? I'm getting depressed about my ride. It's not fun to drive, and I'm losing hope. It's been about a year now.
I have replaced myself in my 2002 Mustang (base):
-rack and pinion (installed today, had a previous one that leaked 2 months ago but I replaced it under warranty--issue persisted under both).
-ball joints/outer&inner tie rod ends
-MM solid steering shaft (spent so much money on this, didn't fix it)
-steering column
-sway bar linkages & bushings
-control arms (lower with bushing replacement)
-wheel alignment
-wheels are still good condition
-wheel hubs
-coils/springs
-passes wiggle test, everything is super solid
Now, the play has not gotten any better or worse. I thought that it was the steering column since when I disconnected the shaft to the column under my dash/wheel area, it still has the play. The steering wheel can be locked, and if I put a medium amount of force on it, the same amount of play is there.
The play is there regardless if car is off the ground or not, key is in the ignition or not, and even if it's locked (don't get me wrong, you can't move the wheel unless you use force, but the same amount is there from one side to the next).
The only thing I can think of is something is off in the steering column (knuckle, bearing, bushing?) that is causing it to have that play. The play, when connected to the shaft and to the rack, transfers all the way down. As I said, when I disconnect it, the play is solely in the steering column. I took my old one apart, but I couldn't find anything wrong with it. The new one has *the same amount* of play as the old one. I know it can't be suspension because I personally changed everything, and I would think it can't be the column...
I don't know everyone. This is making me really depressed. I've spent countless hours and a little over 5 months trying to fix this. I have talked to some shops about it, but they give me "Oh it's normal; within specs." I know it's not. No one can convince me 2"-3" of random dead zone play is normal.
Please... please help me. View attachment 108083
P.S. This is not my video, but this video is similar to the issue I'm having. There was another one that was more accurate, but no luck either. I messaged each person, but neither replied.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXf5BZcZzvs
P.S.S. Here is the other video I couldn't find:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sucv8ODJB10
But mine has about double that play.
P.S.S.S. Here is a diagram of the column, since I still think that's what's wrong. exploded view for the 2002 Ford Mustang tilt | Steering Column Services
I have replaced myself in my 2002 Mustang (base):
-rack and pinion (installed today, had a previous one that leaked 2 months ago but I replaced it under warranty--issue persisted under both).
-ball joints/outer&inner tie rod ends
-MM solid steering shaft (spent so much money on this, didn't fix it)
-steering column
-sway bar linkages & bushings
-control arms (lower with bushing replacement)
-wheel alignment
-wheels are still good condition
-wheel hubs
-coils/springs
-passes wiggle test, everything is super solid
Now, the play has not gotten any better or worse. I thought that it was the steering column since when I disconnected the shaft to the column under my dash/wheel area, it still has the play. The steering wheel can be locked, and if I put a medium amount of force on it, the same amount of play is there.
The play is there regardless if car is off the ground or not, key is in the ignition or not, and even if it's locked (don't get me wrong, you can't move the wheel unless you use force, but the same amount is there from one side to the next).
The only thing I can think of is something is off in the steering column (knuckle, bearing, bushing?) that is causing it to have that play. The play, when connected to the shaft and to the rack, transfers all the way down. As I said, when I disconnect it, the play is solely in the steering column. I took my old one apart, but I couldn't find anything wrong with it. The new one has *the same amount* of play as the old one. I know it can't be suspension because I personally changed everything, and I would think it can't be the column...
I don't know everyone. This is making me really depressed. I've spent countless hours and a little over 5 months trying to fix this. I have talked to some shops about it, but they give me "Oh it's normal; within specs." I know it's not. No one can convince me 2"-3" of random dead zone play is normal.
Please... please help me. View attachment 108083
P.S. This is not my video, but this video is similar to the issue I'm having. There was another one that was more accurate, but no luck either. I messaged each person, but neither replied.
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXf5BZcZzvs
P.S.S. Here is the other video I couldn't find:
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sucv8ODJB10
But mine has about double that play.
P.S.S.S. Here is a diagram of the column, since I still think that's what's wrong. exploded view for the 2002 Ford Mustang tilt | Steering Column Services