My steering wheel has a lot of play in it, is this a simple mater of the wheel itself being loose or something to do with alignment , steering linkages, etc etc?
any ideas?
Steering wheel play
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mararmeisto
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Re: Steering Wheel play
I saw this post the other day and intended to answer it, but... well I'm sorry it took so long.
Anyway, according to the Russek manual:
Steering wheel free play: Place the front wheels in the straight ahead position and move the steering wheel to and fro. If the free play (before resistance is felt) exceeds 40mm, check the steering shaft connectiona nd the steering linkage, before it is assumed that the steering needs attention.
Checking the ball joint play: The play in the ball joints can only be checked properly with a special tool. The only check possible is therefore a general inspection of the ball joints. Grip the relevant track rod with one hand and move it left to right, up and down. Excessive play can be felt.
From the "Steering Faults" list at the back of the book:
Steering very loose
5. Steering needs adjustment. Adjust.
7. Steering linkage joints loose or worn. Check and replace joints as necessary.
8. Front wheel bearing worn, damaged or loose. Readjust bearing play or replace the bearings if no results can be obtained.
9. Front suspension parts loose. Check and correct.
11. Steering wheel loose. Re-tighten nut.
12. Steering gear mounting loose. Check and tighten. (NOTE: This would be especially important if you have tilt steering. Crashes have been documented as attributable to the driver adjusting the tilt of the steering wheel while driving - owner's manuals recommend this is to be done BEFORE driving away.)
13. Steering gear worn. Although it is possible to overhaul the steering, the fitting of a replacement steering could be the solution.
As you can see, I've listed EVERYTHING under that fault listing - it COULD be one of these causes, but it might not be. Start with the simple stuff and work up from there. The list is in easy-to-more-expensive order (from what I can determine).
Anyway, according to the Russek manual:
Steering wheel free play: Place the front wheels in the straight ahead position and move the steering wheel to and fro. If the free play (before resistance is felt) exceeds 40mm, check the steering shaft connectiona nd the steering linkage, before it is assumed that the steering needs attention.
Checking the ball joint play: The play in the ball joints can only be checked properly with a special tool. The only check possible is therefore a general inspection of the ball joints. Grip the relevant track rod with one hand and move it left to right, up and down. Excessive play can be felt.
From the "Steering Faults" list at the back of the book:
Steering very loose
5. Steering needs adjustment. Adjust.
7. Steering linkage joints loose or worn. Check and replace joints as necessary.
8. Front wheel bearing worn, damaged or loose. Readjust bearing play or replace the bearings if no results can be obtained.
9. Front suspension parts loose. Check and correct.
11. Steering wheel loose. Re-tighten nut.
12. Steering gear mounting loose. Check and tighten. (NOTE: This would be especially important if you have tilt steering. Crashes have been documented as attributable to the driver adjusting the tilt of the steering wheel while driving - owner's manuals recommend this is to be done BEFORE driving away.)
13. Steering gear worn. Although it is possible to overhaul the steering, the fitting of a replacement steering could be the solution.
As you can see, I've listed EVERYTHING under that fault listing - it COULD be one of these causes, but it might not be. Start with the simple stuff and work up from there. The list is in easy-to-more-expensive order (from what I can determine).
JPL
I still miss my '94 Pajero!
I still miss my '94 Pajero!
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TardisDeli
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Re: Steering wheel play
Hi, Mararmeisto 's wonderful post tells it all. Mine doesnt have any steering wheel play, maybe less than 1 inch before the tires move. My hunch it's your steering box.
We had various suspension bits replaced recently, but never had sloppy steering (I often take both hands off the wheel to wave cheerfully to other deli's and the van kept going straight).
So my hunch is not suspension on your problem. But FYI, when we we were trying to diagnose various clunk suspension noises (turned out to be worn inner tie rod ends, and a some other bits around there -- got the parts new from John Hamilton of Rocky Mountain Imports, and Glen of CC Autos did the good work) people would put the front up on a shop jack so front wheels are off the ground, then try to jiggle each tire. Hold a tire at 3 oclock and nine oclock, then try your hardest to move it, jiggle it, for freeplay. repeat at noon and 6 pm hands position. etc. Park up one wheel on curb, then crawl under and joggle suspension bits looking for freeplay.
I guess you live in Eastern Canada, Can you do a YouTube video of it, then post the link, so we can video diagnose?
Cheers, Christine.
We had various suspension bits replaced recently, but never had sloppy steering (I often take both hands off the wheel to wave cheerfully to other deli's and the van kept going straight).
So my hunch is not suspension on your problem. But FYI, when we we were trying to diagnose various clunk suspension noises (turned out to be worn inner tie rod ends, and a some other bits around there -- got the parts new from John Hamilton of Rocky Mountain Imports, and Glen of CC Autos did the good work) people would put the front up on a shop jack so front wheels are off the ground, then try to jiggle each tire. Hold a tire at 3 oclock and nine oclock, then try your hardest to move it, jiggle it, for freeplay. repeat at noon and 6 pm hands position. etc. Park up one wheel on curb, then crawl under and joggle suspension bits looking for freeplay.
I guess you live in Eastern Canada, Can you do a YouTube video of it, then post the link, so we can video diagnose?
Cheers, Christine.