Steering wheel play

[Gjohnson7]

Ok, I'm trying to figure out what could be causing all the play in my steering wheel and I'm no expert in this area by any means. So here's what I've got.
1997 LS swapped Kouki, the car sat for 4 to 5 years before I found it at a local dealership so I have no idea what rotted away. I also never drove the car before the swap so I have no insight there either. After first inspection I noticed the tie rods where in bad shape, so I replaced the inner and outter tie rods with Moog replacements. No change.
One thing I noticed when I changed the steering rack boots was the steering rack seems to be leaking from the driverside, but would that cause the play.

What else should I inspect or try?? Thanks

[yarou]

steering rack bushings

[Gjohnson7]

These bad boys here...

ENERGY SUSPENSION STEERING RACK BUSHINGS 240SX 300ZX : eBay Motors (item 290431862759 end time Jun-02-10 19:51:28 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ENERGY-SUSPENSION-STEERING-RACK-BUSHINGS-240SX-300ZX-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem439f1687e7QQitemZ29043 1862759QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries)

These actually go around the steering shaft right?? Not the Rack and Pinion?

[Gjohnson7]

Or would it be better to pick up something like this?

STANCE steering bushing 240sx, C33, skyline, S13 : eBay Motors (item 370377345729 end time May-17-10 08:01:23 PDT) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/STANCE-steering-bushing-240sx-C33-skyline-S13-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem563c35cac1QQitemZ37037 7345729QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccesso ries)

Or do I need both?

[Gjohnson7]

Ok, it looks like the S14 doesn't need the last aluminum bushing, so I guess that answers that question.

So, are the bushings most like the culprit?
The rack and pinion wouldn't cause issues like this???

[Sterlz]

Maybe an alignment?

[sincity_sil80]

i would just say replace them anyway.. it couldnt hurt right? plus they're probably old and worn

[Gjohnson7]

I guess I need to try that too!

I've been trying to read throught the FSM as well about the excessive play as well as my SRS light blinking at all times and it seems that the 2 may be related. Apparently excessive play in the steering wheel can cause issues with the air bag system. I really need to get this figured out.

[Gjohnson7]

i would just say replace them anyway.. it couldnt hurt right? plus they're probably old and worn

Yeah, I plan on replacing them at some point anyway, I'm just trying to do as much testing as possible and trying not to throw money at the issue considering my budget and 3 kids.

[ajbrain]

check all the arms to see if they are loose especially lower control arm. jack up your car. hope it helps.

[rage]

jack up car, inspect rack bushings

[slider2828]

Look for steering wheel shimmy under search... I would check the subframe as well as those racks.... lift the front of the car and turn the motor on. Turn it lock to lock and check if hte rack is moving.

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It sounds like the rack and pinion needs a rebuild to me. When seals go bad etc. there is play in the steering, although it doesn't hurt to replace those bushings, hope this helps!

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[Gjohnson7]

Is there a rebuild kit for the rack and pinion or do you just have to buy a new one?

[slider2828]

go get a remanufactured one... without correct tools the rack is pretty hard to rebuild if it has center play... Not something you wanna mess with...

[Forge_55b]

just replace the rack and pinion cause yours is toast, but no idea why that would happen just standing still for a long time.......unless it was always like that

[[email protected]]

Is there a rebuild kit for the rack and pinion or do you just have to buy a new one?

I would find a local shop to rebuild it for you, new rack and pinion systems are too expensive! Good luck!

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