loose steering

[rubezz]

my steering has become loose. there is a quite a bit of give in it. u need to turn it that bit extra for it to bite in. and u can especially feel it when u go over bumps in the road, it is loose/non responsive..

can a garage tighten it back up again? if so what am i looking at ££?

thanks!!

 

[DPJ]

Is there actual play at the wheel?

Tyre pressures ok?

Faulty trackrod ends, bushes, ball joints etc could all contribute to a sloppy feel. Best get your suspension checked over- it might not be the steering itself.

 

[rubezz]

pretty sure its the steering. standstill with engine off there is a good bit of play in the wheel. u can shake it side to side and it seems to turn a lot before biting in and start to turn the wheels..

btw its done 80k bit of a (beastful) veteran...

 

[edmong]

You had your wheels off lately? If so your nuts need re torquing. If not it could be track rod ends, steering box, steering rack etc....

 

[rubezz]

not had wheels off recently.. not very clued up on motors.. so how much would it cost around for a garage to tighten it up? think it has just come loose as its done a lot of miles.

 

[edmong]

What car is it? It may not be just tightening things up! Could be expensive. They'll need to diagnose the fault first then fix it, and Jim'll wont do it!

 

[rubezz]

LCR 52 plate

i thought it was a easy/common job and was just wear and tear for all its miles.

 

[edmong]

LCR 52 plate

i thought it was a easy/common job and was just wear and tear for all its miles.

To check if its the steering box, start your engine stand outside your car with one hand on the steering wheel and check the free play (before the wheels start turnong). If theres quite a bit then that could be it.

To check if its the track rod ends. Jack the front up and look from underneath at the ball joints with someone slightly pushing and pulling at the wheel. This should be done at the 3 and 9 o'clock position. This could also show any faults with the suspension.

 

[rubezz]

it pulls to the left since i got it (second hand) when i first got it (a year ago)and MOTd it they said they fixed the alignement, which made me let go of the wheel and check it - and it seemed to pull to the left. - couldnt have done a good job fixing it could this be part of this new problem?

recently it seems like there is a lot of play in the wheel and u do feel that u need to turn it a little before it bites into the actual steering.

 

[edmong]

it pulls to the left since i got it (second hand) when i first got it (a year ago)and MOTd it they said they fixed the alignement, which made me let go of the wheel and check it - and it seemed to pull to the left. - couldnt have done a good job fixing it could this be part of this new problem?

recently it seems like there is a lot of play in the wheel and u do feel that u need to turn it a little before it bites into the actual steering.

Sounds like the steering rack. Get it checked asap buddy

 

[skunnie26]

i have the same problem. if i have the engine off or the car is at a standstill and I very gently try to turn the steering wheel, it has about 1cm - 2cms play in it. it is quite difficult to explain but it does feel like something is loose (or more likely worn). when i got my MOT, the mechanic noticed the steering but passed it. think it might need something done about it for the next mot.

for info, my car does not pull left or right so dont think it is connected to the wheel alignment. if i get to the bottom of the problem, i will post.

 

[dainott2105]

sure i have a little leak on the seal on the track rod end of mine (drivers side). Anyone know how difficult it is to change it?