Lanos: Too much play in steering.

BosnianLanos · Post by **BosnianLanos** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 1:22 am

Not really a huge problem, but annoying nevertheless.

Pretty much, my Lanos has a bit too much play in the steering. There is quite a bit of dead space when I am turning the steering wheel, so I really have to be careful. Driving in a straight line, the car will weave a bit becuase the steering isn't tight, so I have to keep correcting it.

It is probabally a worn/loose bushing or a loose bolt somewhere, but where do you guys recommend I look?

Audacity Racing · Post by **Audacity Racing** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 1:51 am

check three places...

1. the rubber bushings that connect the tie rods/steering arms to the rack

2. the rubber bushings that hold the rack (there are two, they are D shaped)

3. the connection between the steering shaft and the pinion/rack

i would be willing to bet tons of money that your bushings are cracked to crap and need to be replace (the ones on the tie rods/steering arms)

MMamdouh · Post by **MMamdouh** » Wed Jan 04, 2006 8:31 am

i agree with Auda... also with a friend's help try to wobble the steering whell to left and right and watch the steering rack bushings that holds it to the fire wall and the tie rod ends and bushings and look for free play.

it can be visually clear to you or you might have to put you palm on the connection poits to feel the free play (parts in your hand not moving together) if you know what i mean... also if the free play is associated with knocking sound during hitting bumps then i suspect the tie rods.

also don't forget to check the flexable joints on the steering column as well as they can cause free play if they are worn out or if they are not tightened properly.

if all free play inspection went out OK and you still have free play then it will be the pinion gear inside the steering rack... you will have to get a new steering rack.

MMamdouh