Steering Wheel slight right to left wiggle - normal?

[cwmoser]

My 2002 LX470 has a slight wiggle right to left like maybe the steering column
bolts are loose. Course this is just a guess as I am a newbie with the LX.
Is this normal????

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

Typically this is a steering rack issue. Sometimes, this can be resolved by bushing replacement on the rack. That's the cheap fix. the expensive fix is a new rack (which is in my future). It will get worse over time if you do nothing, but it is very typical wear, and you probably have a lot of time to deal with it. Check the rack for any leaks, if it isn't leaking, I wouldn't replace it just yet.

 

[cwmoser]

Typically this is a steering rack issue. Sometimes, this can be resolved by bushing replacement on the rack. That's the cheap fix. the expensive fix is a new rack (which is in my future). It will get worse over time if you do nothing, but it is very typical wear, and you probably have a lot of time to deal with it. Check the rack for any leaks, if it isn't leaking, I wouldn't replace it just yet.

My 2002 LX only has 27K miles on her. Hope its just a bushing. When my LX sits, there is no oil leaks.
Is the Bushing repair easy? Pull Steering Wheel and there is the bushing???
On cars I've worked on its just a couple bolts that holds the steering column assembly
to the Dash frame.

 

[CanadianRockyCruiser]

No, the bushings are attached to the steering rack. With only 27K, I'd be surprised if they are worn, however. Tough to check their condition without taking them off, unfortunately.

The following thread may be of assistance:

Steering Rack Bushing Replacement

 

[LEX]

Only 27k miles?

 

[BullElk]

It's been a dealer demo for the last 14 years.

 

[ton504]

If you're talking about a left/right movement as in the actual steering wheel moves left or right then I would look to see if anyone left anything loose when/if they did the recall...

Don't jump to conclusions about the steering rack bushings cause I do not think thats the case.

 

[cwmoser]

Only 27k miles?

Now its got 27K miles. I purchased it off Ebay in March with 24K miles.
She is a nice ride.

 

[cwmoser]

I need to clarify. Just checked again and its a slight wiggle left/right and up/down.

 

[Ninja Cruiser100]

Check your wheel bearings also.

 

[TheForger]

Could be that your rotors are warped, especially if that movement is apparent during braking.

 

[cwmoser]

No,no. The steering wheel wiggles even when stopped with engine off.

 

[Ninja Cruiser100]

No,no. The steering wheel wiggles even when stopped with engine off.

Wtf?

 

[ton504]

No,no. The steering wheel wiggles even when stopped with engine off.

Refer back to my original post about checking if anything was left loose if the recall was ever done. It has to do the steering column.

 

[Hayes]

No,no. The steering wheel wiggles even when stopped with engine off.

Everyone, the OP is saying that his actual steering wheel is wiggling, not his steering rack (as others have pointed out.)

...and all I can say is, no that's not normal.

 

[cwmoser]

Refer back to my original post about checking if anything was left loose if the recall was ever done. It has to do the steering column.

What "recall" is this?????

 

[Slickspawn]

Steering shaft slop. Hold the u joint at the firewall and gently move steering wheel to double check

 

[PADDO]

If the wheel has been hyper extended past its normal range (when at max extension do 8 quick "out pulses" on the rocker switch) you get an uncomfortable "looseness" in the shaft. Maybe that's what OP is feeling?

 

[ton504]

What "recall" is this?????

Sorry, turns out to be for the 2003-2007 model years.

 

[Jeppers]

Ours has the same thing the op has, just a slight wiggle in the wheel. Sterring rack seems to be fine but ours has been that way for 50k and hasnt gotten better or worse