13 replies to this topic

[RK2770]

Hi Guys,

 

I got a fair bit of play in my steering wheel and when I'm driving, the car feels like it's on a railroad track and pulls left and right. Sometimes to drive straight I could be holding the wheel at 2 o'clock and then at 10 o'clock.

 

Any suggestions on how I could work out what's wrong?

[Morgan]

Had a wheel alignment recently? That would be my first point of call.

 

Also, check for play in all front end bushings and links.

[Barbbachello]

yep wheel alignment would be my first though. Also have you taken the steering wheel off recently and not put it back on straight? Happened to me a lot haha

[RK2770]

Yeah.

 

Bushes were done in the front. Wheel alignment was done then too.

 

I know I could easily take it back there to have them look at it but I just wanted to hit the forum up first.

Also have you taken the steering wheel off recently and not put it back on straight? Happened to me a lot haha

LOL, no mate, I'm not that keen.

[duncanm]

Does it load up then 'slip' when doing alternately left and right hand corners like you let the steering wheel slip through your hands an inch?  

 

Suspect rack bushes.

[RK2770]

No it doesn't.

My bro-in-law mentioned something like maybe tie rod ends? Is that what they're called?

[Morgan]

Tie rod ends. The threaded shaft with a ball joint on the end.

 

Possibly the culprit. If it's out, that will be fixed with a proper alignment otherwise they can be replaced, then get an alignment.

[Matt]

Inner tie rod ends (the part in the rack itself) can cause a lot of play in the wheels....had this on my gen3 and replaced them with oem ones

[bobbyjimmy]

Could also be shitty tyres - some like to tram line down the road.

[RK2770]

Ku19's

[duncanm]

should be easy to check tie rod ends -- jack it up and see if there's play in the front wheels.

 

Given your apparent level of knowledge of the steering bits and pieces, you should take it to a mechanic and get them to find the problem.

[RK2770]

Given your apparent level of knowledge of the steering bits and pieces, you should take it to a mechanic and get them to find the problem.

Yeah you're right but as I'm a student and not working at the moment, I need to be informed as I can be before going to a mechanic and them trying to rip me a new you know what.

[duncanm]

True - its good to be wised up if you don't have a mechanic you can trust.

Jack it up and check the play in the wheels (left to right, like when you steer) - it'll tell you if it's tie rod ends - keep the other front on the ground to hold the steering or have someone hold the wheel. Do both sides.  There should be no slack in them.

 

If there's slack, you can then look around to see where -- inner or outer end (if the tie rod moves with the wheel, then its the inner end).

 

Mechanic may recommend a reco'd rack rather than repair.  Explore your options with them.

[RK2770]

Thanks, appreciate everyones help.