JoeYabuki

I have a lot of steering wheel play in my 95 300. Im gonna get under the car this weekend hopefully. Plan is to change the PS bushings and diagnose anything in the arms or tie rods. Eventually, the rack will get replaced too.

Any thoughts of what it could be other than these things. The play has become more significant to the point I don't want to drive it.

KahnBB6

iTrader: (5)

Usually what this comes down to is a combination of worn out power steering rack bushings (get new OEM bushings or a polyurethane set from Figs Engineering or Daizen) and worn out front lower control arms.

Combined these worn out parts contribute to the "steering shimmy" effect while driving. While the car is stationary you would probably just feel the looseness in steering due to the worn out PS rack bushings.

Once you put in new PS rack bushings and new front LCAs (try to get brand new OEM 1993-1996 Supra MKIV front LCAs if you can) then the car's steering/handling will feel right on the money again once you get a new alignment.

GAsc300

If it’s so much play as to make u uncomfortable driving it or it changed quickly I’d guess tie rods or control arms first. I’d imagine steering rack bushings would be less dramatic a feel and would degrade more slowly over time. But plenty of people talk about big improvements in handling and less slop when they upgrade steering bushings. It’s on one of my to do lists for my 99 SC300.

Because it’s so noticeable for you, I’ll bet you can figure out source by doing checks of front arms, tie rods, sway bar end links, etc.

There is some way to check excessive slop from bushings … half-assed tip: I think u jack up front end and turn wheel 90degrees and assess how much the rack shakes after you stop turning wheel. Probably need 2 people or camera to record extent of
shake. Check web for better info.