GS3.0

iTrader: (1)

the first batch was a higher quality batch...appearance-wise...they had gold sleeves as oppose to the matte black sleeves of the 2nd batch (which i have). functionality-wise...i think a fellow CL member said it was just as good...i can't really say b/c i haven't installed mine yet.

gs-ireland

I've discovered a temporary fix! .....with a couple of thin cable ties.

(I do have first batch of Daizen steering rack bushings, but it did not fix the problem as my problem is inside the car)

I was getting so annoyed with the play but mainly the shaking steering wheel ( I drive on gravel every day) that I recorded via my mobile-phone's video camera exactly what was going on with the shaft when I drove over rough ground.
I discovered most bumps pushed the main shaft downwards so it got me thinking, can I stop or absorb this movement?. So I tried this:

1. Removed the lower cover to expose the bottom of the steering column.
2. With the engine 'on' LOOSELY wrap a few cable ties around the steering shaft (the part that is ~3" long - exposed between the main column housing and the knuckle) and the steering column support bracket - its about 3" above the shaft. Have the cable-ties's clip away from all moving parts!!!!
3. Apply grease to where the shaft & cable-ties touch.
4. One by one, slowely tighten the cable ties (1 click at a time) as you turn your steering wheel left-right. As soon as you feel a little extra tension to turn the steering wheel STOP.
5. Re-assemble and go for test drive

What a difference!, I found that
- the steering is now so much more responsive and sharp
- no more steering-wheel shaking when I drive over gravel @5-10mph
- ALL the slack/play is gone.
- at 70mph+ I am not continuously correcting the steering due to the play


Disclaimer: As this a mod to your steering all responsibility is on the user if anything goes wrong due to overtightening etc. So use common sense!