2001 LC Sloppy Steering

[pbs76]

I am a long time lurker of this forum, but just recently picked up a LC of my own. I plan on building it slowly over time, but I need to address a couple of things immediately. The first is the loose steering. The steering wheel has a little play all the time, but is really noticed at highway speeds. This is when the vehicle kind of wonders around the road, and I have to pay attention to keep it going straight. I have read several posts about steering racks, shocks, UCAs, LCAs, torsion bars, tie rods, bushings, etc., but I do not know where to start to address my issues. Does anyone have a suggestion on how to go about diagnosing my issue (look at this, then this, or it is more than likely this)?

 

[3_puppies]

have someone rotate the steering wheel and look at all components to see if there is any movement

jack up front end, jack stands, grab each wheel at 12 and 6 and see if there is movement, 3 and 9 and see if there is movement.

 

[atnolan94]

You have to check everything. My steering shaft inside of the column developed play and replacing that made a world of difference. There is a slip joint in there so the column will collapse in an accident and it had worn at the splines allowing play. To check, hold the U joint under the dash at the firewall and then rock the wheel back and forth if the wheel moves and the U joint does not then you have play in your column.

 

[wvrx]

Also check your wheel bearing preload, my wheels had play at all directions because it was set too loose.

 

[Ayune]

You have to check everything. My steering shaft inside of the column developed play and replacing that made a world of difference. There is a slip joint in there so the column will collapse in an accident and it had worn at the splines allowing play. To check, hold the U joint under the dash at the firewall and then rock the wheel back and forth if the wheel moves and the U joint does not then you have play in your column.

^^^ Check this first, it takes 2.5 seconds including opening the driver's door. Feel the shaft while you jiggle the steering wheel, you'll know instantly if there's play in the slip joint.

If that's the issue then here's the DIY to fix: How To: Replace your own Upper Steering Column Shaft

The slip joint can loosen as a result of turning the wheels when the engine is off.

 

[pbs76]

Just checked the steering shaft under the dash by holding the U joint and moving the steering wheel back and forth. Everything seems to move at the same time and the same amount.

 

[Rolocado]

Have steering rack bushings ever been replaced? Do you have oversized tires?

 

[pbs76]

I have steering rack bushings on order. Should be here today or tomorrow. Tires are 285-75-16.