j-wigg

just got some new/used wheels and rims. about to get an alignment. but i want to check out why my steering wheel has alot of play. issue was there with the other wheels also. rack and pinion or tie rods?? the steering wheel will move from about the 11:30 position to about 12:30 without any movement to the tires. with the front in the air, the wheels will move bac and forth. and i'm able to watch the tie rod move back and forth also when moving the tire. is there something that should be tightened/adjusted?

mustangsneverdie

check your rag joint to see if anything is wrong with it

mjr46

check inner and outer tie rods and steering shaft for any play.

j-wigg

-----taken from autozones site-----
on complete stock front end, is this all thats done at a shop?
without aftermarket caster camber plates, is the only thing changed at a shop is the toe? and can this be done/checked in a driveway?

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The caster and camber are set at the factory and cannot be changed. Only the toe is adjustable.


TOE ADJUSTMENT


Toe is the difference in width (distance) between the front and rear inside edges of the front tires.

Turn the steering wheel, from left to right, several times and center.


If the car is equipped with power steering, start the engine before centering the steering wheel.

Secure the centered steering wheel with a steering wheel holder, or any device that will keep it centered.
Release the tie rod end bellows clamps so the bellows will not twist while adjustment is made.
Loosen the jam nuts on the tie rod ends.
Adjust the left and right connector sleeves until each wheel has one-half of the desired toe setting.
After the adjustment has been made, tighten the jam nuts and secure the bellows clamps.
Release the steering wheel lock and check for steering wheel center.
Readjust, if necessary, until the steering wheel is centered and the toe is within specs.
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mjr46

lol autozone alignment in the driveway..........bwwwahhhhaaaaa.......that'll work so you can drive it to a alignment shop to have it set to spec, but first you need to find out what steering components are worn out causing the play you have, jack car up and grab the tire at 3 and 9 and wiggle is side to side and have someone watch tie rods for movemment/excessive play, also caster/camber on stock suspension set up is somewhat adjustable, factory had a plate that was held in place by a rivit, drill rivit out and plate had 2-3 other settings.

j-wigg

ok finally getting to look at this. seeing that both sides are doing the same thing. loosened the boot up and slid if over. seeing the tie rod that goes into where the steering gear is, is loose. not the tie rod end but the other side of the tie rod that has a ball type end. it moves about 1/4" or so. not sure what that part is called. please inlighten me. is there something adjustable or replaceable thats for starters. the only part that i'm seeing that would be easy is the tie rod end but that is seeming ok (not the part thats loose).

j-wigg

a better description. the part that has the play is right inside where the arrow is.
also the bar with the ??? was off on the psgr side? what is that for. connects to the boots.