Steering wheel appears loose

Hi,

If you are referring to the steering shaft feeling loose, there are two shaft couplers that are basic universal joints. They can fail and have excessive play.

Here is what I need you to do. I attached two pics below and highlighted the two couplers. The lower one attaches to the rack and pinion. Locate the two couplers and with the engine off, turn the steering wheel back and forth to see if there is excessive play in the joint.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Hi Joe, Thanks for your reply. I just tried to diagnose the problem as advised by you. I found excess play at the lower coupler of Steering column (No. 3 as per pictures attached by you). Is there any way to tighten it without removing the column? Thanks a bunch!

Hi,

If the play is in the joint, you can't adjust it. The intermediate steering shaft will need to be replaced. The joint works like a universal joint, allowing the connection to flex. Once there is excessive wear, it needs to be replaced.

It's been a while since I've done one on this vehicle. There should be a bolt at each end of the intermediate shaft. If I recall, you can loosen it on both ends and there should be enough play to push it upwards enough to remove it.

I attached a pic below and highlighted where the bolts are. See if you can locate both.

Let me know.

Joe