Loose steering

[bebop]

Just wondering if anyone has fixed a loose steering problem? I have a 98 4x4 and there is some play in the steering wheel. It is loose between the 11 o'clock and 1 o'clock positions. It is pretty much dead between there. Once it "catches" it turns fine. It tracks perfect and there is no shuddering when I turn. I don't know if there is an adjustment I can do myself or if all the bushings need to be replaced. Any input would be great.

 

[ZachWill23]

I have the same problem. From what I have HEARD it's a common problem in these later year model tahoe's so I'm not concerned about it anymore.

 

[bebop]

Did you have it fixed or find out exactly what was causing it? It's not bad a roadway speed, but at highway speed, it can get a little hairy.

 

[chevelle1970]

myne was doing that and it turned out to be the idler arm

 

[ZachWill23]

Did you have it fixed or find out exactly what was causing it? It's not bad a roadway speed, but at highway speed, it can get a little hairy.

No I didn't get it fixed. My auto tech teacher who once worked at a local Chevrolet dealership told me not to worry about it and that's it's common. I would consider getting it check though if it's bad enough but mine isn't to bad to drop any money on. Chevelle is right though, it could be the idler arm.

 

[Mark 97 Tahoe]

Idler arm & pitman arm are usually the culprits. If you have someone jerk the steering wheel back & forth a couple inches & you crawl underneath, you can see the play in these two massive couplings move (1/8" or so) before the tie rods actually move the tires.

 

[bebop]

I found where it is loose. It is definately where the pitman arm attaches to the tie rod. There is a nut that attaches it. Is it a matter of tightening these nuts down or does the actual pitman arm need to be replaced or is there a bushing inside that coupling that can be replaced. THe only place I saw some play was where the pitman arm attaches to the tie rod.