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floppy steering

Posted: Thu Jan 30, 2003 3:18 am
by scottzg
I am going down the freeway at 80 mph, there is a gradual left hand turn. I turn the steering wheel gradually to the left, nothing happens, i turn a little further, nothing happens, then, when the center of the steering wheel is at 10:30, the steering wheel starts turning the wheels. It is floppy on both sides, wiggling the wheel can get it to center, but there is that bit of useless turning bit on both sides. It is not the allignment, even though the steering wheel is pointing off to the side (regardless of whether it be left or right) the car goes straight. This is terribly annoying and a bit dangerous (how do i make an emergency manuver?) I have had it like this since i got the car, 6k ago. the squishy right strut has been like that since the car was purchased too. Any ideas what the problem could be?

Posted: Thu Jan 30, 2003 4:24 am
by Legacy777
Could be tires.....could be suspension....could be the steering rack or bushings....could be a lot of things.......replace the crappy struts.......that should be your first priority

Posted: Thu Jan 30, 2003 4:30 am
by ciper
Id check tie rod ends first thing. When the car is standing still and powered off is it still sloppy?

Posted: Thu Jan 30, 2003 5:26 am
by scottzg
tie rod ends... hadnt thought of that. I was figuring there was a loose bolt on the steering column itself, loose to the point where it could slip to a point on either side. I guess you'll see it before too long :)

Posted: Sat Feb 01, 2003 12:29 pm
by scottzg
found the problem. one of the brackets holding the steering rack was not bolted on :oops: I think it was the work of the guys who put the clutch in. I had never driven the car with it fixed, so i didnt know. Its fixed, and im glad the other side didnt loosen :shock: