little bit of play in stearing wheel...

[88GTtom]

hey all, before i deployed i bought a front end bushing kit. when the place that installed them were finished, they told me that i had to get an allignment done else where because they dident do them. The kit came with tie rod bushings, sway bar bushings and some other ones. It was a bbk bushing kit. well, i was wondering what would happen if i dident get the allignment. Would that cause play in the stearing wheel??? its not much, but before i deployed, it was getting worse and i would like to fix it when i get back. Would taking my car to get an allignment fix this problem??? I really dont know what goes on with allignments, but i would like this problem fixed. Thanks, Tom

 

[Henceforward]

Sounds like your tie rods are shot. You can buy new ones at Autozone, or Orielys, Cragen, etc.

Also, do get a proper alignment done, it will keep your tires in good shape. Unless you don't wearing out one side of your tires premature.

 

[88GTtom]

heres the thing, my stearing was fine before they installed the bushing kit. they told me to get an allignment. im thinking that because i haven't gotten one yet, matbe the tie rods loosened up..?? im not to sure. point being, they were fine untill they installed the kit. So will an allignment fix this problem. thanks

 

[HISSIN50]

if you have play in the wheel that is suspensions related (vs rag joint related), an alignment wont fix it.

now if it is just a rag joint, that should not affect the alignment, per se (that is, if all is well under the car, the wheels will maintain correct relative geometry). the rag joint causes slop in the steering wheel itlself (where you can turn the wheel a little each way w/o moving a tire).

it would help to know just what all bushings were replaced.

good luck and have a safe ride back!

 

[fourmustangs]

pick up the front wheels.
check to for play from top to bottom(hands a 6 and 12 and shake)
check for play side to side(3 and 9)
If there is no play then do a alignment and tell them to make sure all suspension is tight. ($50)

if there is play look at your power steering unit and see where the play is when you shake it