How do you fix an excess play on a steering wheel?

Tighten steering gear mounting bolts/replace mounting bushes. Loose wheel bearings. Adjust or replace bearings. Worn idler arm or pitman arm (where fitted).

Why does my steering wheel feel wobbly?

If your steering wheel is wobbling too much, it could be a sign that the wheel bearings, tie rod ends, or ball joints are damaged. To help a mechanic diagnose and resolve this problem, take note of when you’re experiencing the most shake while driving.

How do you check steering wheel on free play?

Method of Inspection 1. With the road wheels on the ground pointing straight ahead, lightly turn the steering wheel left and right as far as possible without moving the road wheel. Check the amount of free play at the circumference of the steering wheel.

Will an alignment fix play in steering wheel?

An off-center steering wheel is one sign of misalignment. Alignment will restore the steering wheel to a centered position if there aren’t other undiagnosed problems. When alignment angles are out of spec, steering can feel slightly loose. This condition can be corrected by an alignment.

What causes free play in steering wheel?

The most common reasons for free play in the steering are looseness in the steering gear itself or looseness in one or more of the steering linkage sockets. Steering box or rack and pinion that is connected to the steering wheel by the steering column. In either case, looseness in the steering can result.

How to adjust the steering box on a Ford PowerStroke?

You could just losen the 17mm nut and then the 5/8, it is up to you. Once both nuts are lose make sure that the screw didn’t move. Now take the 5/8 wrench and then turn the 3/16 allen clockwise when viewed looking down. I turned mine a full turn and then took it for a quick test drive.

Why is my steering wheel still turning easily?

If the steering wheel still turns easily, the steering is not at fault. Possible Cause #5: Body or frame is bent or misaligned. … Excessive play occurs when there is extra movement in the steering wheel without response or movement in the front wheels. Too much play can reduce your ability to steer accurately, or even control the vehicle.

What can I do to get my steering back to normal?

Replacing coil springs or adjusting torsion bars can bring alignment back into specs. WOOF! Even if the front wheels are perfectly aligned and tires properly inflated, you may still have to steer constantly in one direction or the other to keep the vehicle going straight up the road.

How to diagnose a steering system problem?

1 1: Friction in your steering system — steering gear, linkage, etc. 2 Possible Cause #2: Friction in suspension system requiring lubrication or replacement of components. 3 Possible Cause #3: Excessive negative camber. 4 Possible Cause #4: Issues within power steering system.