Steering Wheel Play

[mikejsmith1985]

Hi all, I had some issues with my eclipse so I was driving my brothers Z and also got behind the wheel of grand prix today. Couldn't help but notice that all though my eclipse has no body role and solid stance in the corners it just doesn't respond as quickly as either car. As if there is some slack in the steering column. I am curious if this is because it's a 12 year old car with over 200k on body and the parts have just naturally worn in time or is it because the newer cars have superior power steering/ electronic steering assist? I assume it's likely a combination of the two but just wanted to see what you all had to say.

Thanks,
Michael

 

[tunethis]

You probably have worn bushings. It could be the ball joints, tie rods or any other component with a bushing within the steering system. Any car can suffer from slack in the steering wheel if some of the steering components have wear. My original, factory stock 91 Talon has no play in the steering at all. I had a 6 year old car which had very sloppy steering because the inner tie rod bushings were bad. After I replaced them, the steering was like new again.

 

[mikejsmith1985]

Thanks! I'll look into it I know most of that stuff was replaced when my brother still owned it about 10 - 20 thousand miles ago but it's been about 3 years since all that too so no telling what could have gone bad since!