biskazz

Hi,

I recently went about to diagnose a weird slop and noise that I have in my steering wheel when shaking it rapidly left and right. After inspecting the inner and outer tie rod ends and the steering rack it became obvious that the problem isn't there. Upon disassembly of the interior trim below the steering wheel it was almost immediately obvious that the slop comes from the area where the steering shaft meets the steering column assembly.

Here's a video:
Do you guys have any experience with such problem? I'm generally looking for suggestions on how to repair it and how it's constructed rather than replace it because the entire assembly brand new is ungodly expensive and used is probably in the same condition. Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks

turbo510

I really don't know, but I wouldn't be surprised if that slight play you see is totally normal, and the actual slop is between the rack and pinion. I assume that you put your hand on each tie-rod end while someone shook the wheel, to confirm the play isn't at one of them. One way to tell, I think, is if you can fit a tapered-end screw into the rack housing's centering hole, with the rack centered, to lock it in place. Then try the wheel shake again, with would take the ball joints out of the question. Also, check your U-joint clamp bolt for correct tightness.

If the play is between the rack and pinion, there is an adjustment for that, however I don't know how much hassle that would be with the rack in the car.

biskazz

It's definitely not the rack. Tested it with the method you have suggested and also adjusted the big bolt for taking out the slop. It's actually pretty easy, it could be done with a little bit of reaching from under the hood.

I ordered an used steering column assembly for 10$ 😮 will see if the problem is there or in the intermediate steering shaft itself.

More suggestions are very appreciated guys!