Steering wheel play - GQ
Submitted: Friday, May 04, 2007 at 23:38
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45109
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Neilo
Can anyone give me an idea how much free play I should have in my steering wheel?
I can turn the wheel about 10-20 degrees either way without have any significant effect on the direction the car goes. Is this normal??
The problem arises when making a sudden swerve to avoid and obstacle (or danger) and has recently become a safety concern. It is especially difficult for the missus whos small arms cant spin the steering wheel as fast as mine.
Any ideas?
Neilo
Reply By: Member - Luke (SA) - Saturday, May 05, 2007 at 00:34
Saturday, May 05, 2007 at 00:34
Niel
IMO 10 doesnt seem to be much but 20 degrees seems to be a bit much. (Just roughly measured on a piece of paper) If you think it is a safety issue then I think you should either get it looked at or
check it out yourself.
To have a look yourself all you would need to do is get someone to wiggle the steering wheel side to side, (will not need to be too harsh) while you stick your head under the front of your GQ and see if any of your steering components have any play in them.
Cheers Luke
AnswerID:
238010
Follow Up By: Neilo - Saturday, May 05, 2007 at 15:39
Saturday, May 05, 2007 at 15:39
Thanks Luke. Ill give that a try.
FollowupID:
499189
Reply By: Member - Royce- Saturday, May 05, 2007 at 00:54
Saturday, May 05, 2007 at 00:54
none. I have had some vehicles that took a bit of a turn before you got any result. That was when I was
young an foolish.
Fix it now. Deadly if you don't.
AnswerID:
238013
Reply By: disco driver - Saturday, May 05, 2007 at 15:36
Saturday, May 05, 2007 at 15:36
Hi Neilo,
Are you saying that you have a total of up to 40 degrees slack in your steering?
Shyte, If it was me I'd be getting it looked at ASAP.
It might only be a shot Uni joint on the column, but then again it could be worse.
Safety comes before cost especially where family are concerned.
Don't put it off, get someone who knows what to look for to have a stickybeak.
Good luck with it
Disco
AnswerID:
238087
Follow Up By: Neilo - Saturday, May 05, 2007 at 15:40
Saturday, May 05, 2007 at 15:40
Thanks Disco,
Looks like I will be visiting my mechanics again soon!
Neilo
FollowupID:
499190
Reply By: David N. - Sunday, May 06, 2007 at 21:31
Sunday, May 06, 2007 at 21:31
My GQ has NO FREEPLAY! NONE! ZIP! ZERO!
That's the way it should be.
Something is very worn or loose.
AnswerID:
238293
Follow Up By: Neilo - Sunday, May 06, 2007 at 22:38
Sunday, May 06, 2007 at 22:38
Cheers David,
How old is your GQ? I have a 1990 and recently put in a 2"
suspension lift. Do you think this could have any effect?
Neil
FollowupID:
499392
Follow Up By: Member - Luke (SA) - Monday, May 07, 2007 at 15:57
Monday, May 07, 2007 at 15:57
No I dont think a 2" lift would make a difference.
Cheers
FollowupID:
499494
Follow Up By: David N. - Wednesday, May 09, 2007 at 17:12
Wednesday, May 09, 2007 at 17:12
My GQ is very low kilometeres compared to many. 2" lift should not be a major issue.
They are normally pretty good in terms of free play- I'd be looking for wear in steering components- maybe even the steering-box. With someone wriggling the steering wheel, and you laying under the car, you should be able to find where the freeplay comes from...
FollowupID:
499883
Reply By: mechpete - Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 20:38
Thursday, May 17, 2007 at 20:38
Neilo,
To pass a roadworthy inspection in victoria there must be no free play at the steering wheel in the straight ahead position ,would think other states would be the same . It maybe the steering box needs a nip up or something warn underneath , I,ve had 2 GQ,s and they don,t have it .
mechpete
AnswerID:
240623