GTVert2000

I have a 2000 gt convertible with 117k miles, the past month my steering wheel started to develop some play in it. Today, it has about an inch of play, which makes me feel very uneasy about pushing it to the limit, less sense of control. Why would it do that and what can i do to fix it? Has anyone else had this issue? Could it be my steering gear needs adjusting, or a bushing issue?

99mustanggt

An inch of play in what direction? In&out, Up&Down, or do you have to turn it an inch before the wheels turn? If thats the case,check inner and outer tie rod ends.

GTVert2000

When im at a dead stop like a stoplight, and my wheel is straight, theres play in both directions, about a half inch right, half inch left, before i can actually feel the wheel get stiff and start turning the tires, its like the wheel is completely unattached for that distance. My car has always pulled into ruts, but now, when it pulls into ruts, it causes me to swirve some because my wheel doesnt catch the wheels till so far. Am i the only one on here with this problem? lol

masterofthepuppets99

my old jeep does that, but im positive its my tie rod ends. you may find that putting new tie rod ends on will solve the problem. its fairly cheap and a good start i think

kimlightningmcnulty

yeah, i agree its probably a bush or tie rod ends, if you don't have a ramp you can do a rough check on your tie rod ends by holding one of them and getting a friend to rock the steering wheel left to right and see if you feel them move before the wheel does (it usually has a very slight knocking feeling) or you can jack the car up and wiggle wheel/tire and see if there is play that way, thats where i'd start and if you can't feel anything then its probably in the rack or steering column

good luck

Kim

GTVert2000

My car is lowered, so with that, i had steeda tie rod ends put on, Should i just use ford OE this time? Its only lowered 1.25 inches, and i have offset rack bushings i plan to install.

GTVert2000

Ok, so i took the advice, and it wasnt the tie rod ends. i had a friend shimmy the wheel back and forth while i watched the steering column, and through the entire length of play, the column doesnt turn at all. It has to be something with my steering column, but what could it be? and how expensive might this be to fix?

kimlightningmcnulty

i'm not entirely sure with the mustangs since i've only had mine for a week but somewhere there will be a universal joint between the rack and the steering wheel, check that for play and if not its in then sometimes there is a telescopic section in the top of your steering coloum and it could be in there but it is very rare for this to wear,
realisticly though if you inspect it all really well and can't find any bushes or joints that are worn and have play then you can probably put it down to age (which means a bit of wear in everything), mine has about 1" play in it and i don't intend on replacing the whole setup in order to cure it, but its up to you and after all its your steering so if your in any way not confident then it might be time to take it to a garage!!

kim