Steering Free Play

[BrdWAtti2d]

How much free play in the steering is too much? Lately it just seemed that my steering was a little too loose. So, I went about checking everything, adjusted the rack and pinion, check the rag joint (it's ok). The car has new tie rods and ball joints. The problem seems to be in the steering knuckle, I'll call it that for lack of a better term. It's the u-joint looking thing between the rag joint and the rack and pinion. There seems to be a little slack. The slack is only about 1/2" when measured at the outside edge of the steering wheel. The wheel will move about 1/2" before anything begins to move, for instance you can take the tip of one finger and wobble the wheel back and forth 1/2". Maybe that's normal but it just seems loose.

[Joe K. 99 Zeee!!]

I had the same issue with my '96 Z28. It's due to the rubber rag joint in the steering column. From what I've read the purpose is to reduce noise and vibration. It might also aid during a crash. As it ages the connections between it and the column loosen causing the steering slop.

It can be replaced, though it's pretty difficult to do on your own. There's also a vendor out there that sells a rag joint elminator. It's a solid metal piece.

Do a search for rag joint on here and other F-body boards. You're bound to find more info.

[Joe 1320]

Lots of little things add up. Mine got more loose as the miles piled on. Eventually i replaced the entire rack assembly from tire rod end to tie rod end, plus I did the solid rag joint. Guess what? I still had just a hair of on center play.... maybe a 1/2 inch. However, you could feel a definite point where the slop stopped and you had positive feel. I Never could duplicate a complete new car steering feel, but maybe that's a good thing.

[BrdWAtti2d]

It's def not the rag joint, I can plainly see that the rag joint is very tight. The slop is all in the shaft between the rack and the rag joint. But from what Joe says it sounds like it's normal. Past the 1/2" it's very tight. Just that 1/2" bugs me, lol. Guess I could replace that steering shaft and it would probably tighten it up. Thanks to both Joes.

[badz409]

slack in steering wheel

There is a joint in the column for tilt mechanism that is usually the prob., most steering column shops have a fix for the wear, its new bushings for cross shaft. Repair is about $100 here in Nashville. FYI [ T&M Steering Column Repair - 615 351 3005 ] if you want to do if yourself I'm sure Terry Manlove would ship you the parts. badz409