BoostAddct

I'm thinking about ordering the Prothane front bushing kit, but not sure if I need it. My steering column seems to have play in it, but I checked and the rack bushings are fine and bolts are tight. The outer tie rods seem fine too so now I'm a little puzzled. After searching and reading tons of threads I'm still a little confused.

Currently the steering wheel is at like the 2 o'clock position when the front wheels are pointed straight and the steering feels slow responding like a truck.

Here are my thoughts on what else it could be:

-Bad LCA bushings
-Bad steering rack/inner tie rods
-Bad steering column

The reason I am thinking the column is bad is that when the keys are out and the wheel is "locked" it still has a lot of play...when the car is jacked up in the front and you grab the wheels and push/pull them you hear loud clunking from the upper column area and the wheel has a lot of play....there is no play in the rack or tie rod ends...and the control arms don't seem to have any play in them either. Please help guys! I want my SC to not scare me when I'm driving it!

scENFORCER

Steering rack bushings? You dont seem to mention that.

BoostAddct

That was my first thought...those were replaced around 6 months ago, but that was the first thing I checked. The rack is tight and doesn't move at all when I have someone wiggle the steering wheel.

SexCoupe

iTrader: (6)

change the outter tierods and sway bar endlinks...control arm bushings make the actual car feel tighter not the steering wheel "as much" plus its the cheapest way to start also pull the rack boots to see if they are leaking

BoostAddct

The outer tie rods have no play whatsoever...and the end links are perfect too. I'll pull the rack boots and see if they are leaking, but I don't see any moisture around the boots currently.

SexCoupe

iTrader: (6)

not around the boots but inside the boot you might only need a alighnment

spdrcr771

iTrader: (21)

Have a friend help you. One of you get in the car, put it in reverse & let off the brake & then hit the brake just after it starts to roll. If when he hit the brake, you see the whole wheel move toward the front of the car like 3/4" to a 1" then the lower control arm bushings are bad. Do this for both sides.

BoostAddct

Thanks! I'll try that. Just wanted to make sure its the bushings before I just start throwing parts and money at "possible" fixes so hopefully your way of testing will prove if I do or don't need them.

BoostAddct

Ok. And I'll definitely get an alignment, but before I take it in I want to make sure nothing needs replacing or I'll be paying for an alignment twice.

over40driv

Sounds like some loosened up bolts in the steering column.

BoostAddct

That was my first thought....looks like I'm pulling off the column covers and under dash panels to look over everything...lol

xspsi6

iTrader: (31)

Inner tierod ends will do this if they are bad and so will the steering shaft u-joint.

BoostAddct

I didn't even think of the u-joint! I bet that's what it is....Thanks xspsi!

xspsi6

iTrader: (31)

No problem, It is often overlooked and easy to forget about but is common to fail on the sc.

cmh

jack up the car... put ur hands on the tire at 12 and 6 o' clock if u can wiggle it one hand pulling towards u and one hand pushing away then its ur control arm bushings....

do the same at 3 and 9 o'clock and wiggle and if it does its ur bearings...