What Causes Excessive Steering Wheel Play?

[HenryAnn]

Excessive steering wheel play is caused by excessive clearance between components of the steering linkage system, such as the steering column, steering gear, tie rods, and ball joints. Wear of the Steering Column Universal Joint: The steering column universal joint is essentially a universal joint that changes the direction of the steering column's torque and prevents the steering column from impaling the driver in the event of a severe accident. Wear of the universal joint can lead to excessive steering wheel play and may sometimes produce a clicking sound. Wear of the Steering Gear Rack and Pinion: The steering gear rack and pinion will experience some wear, especially if there is a habit of not returning the steering wheel to the center position when parking. This places greater pressure on the rack and pinion, accelerating wear. When the rack wear is not particularly severe, the preload on the rack and pinion can be increased using the adjustment screw on the steering gear, but this will make the steering wheel feel heavier.