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Search Auto Parts Search Too much play in the steering wheel. Sign up here!   Email This Post Auto Repair Home>> Automotive Repair>> Steering and Suspension redraider19 New User Feb 14, 2015, 10:38 AM Post #1 of 3 (1512 views) Too much play in the steering wheel. Sign In It's a '98 GMC Sierra 1500 V6 4.3 with 309,000 miles on it. I have too much play in the steering wheel. It's hard to remember exactly how this problem started but I suppose one day I just noticed that there was so much play in the steering that it made it more difficult to control. I first purchased it in 2007 and it used to be that the slightest movement of the wheel would turn the tires. The precision was as good as any other car. However, this is no longer the case. Everything described below happened over a two year span and I'm no closer to finding out what the problem is. I originally got my gear box replaced for $600 but it did nothing. It made the wheel harder to turn but didn't get rid of the play in it. I took it to another guy adjusted the gear box which made the steering wheel harder still to turn but didn't get rid of the 1 1/2 inches of steering play prior to the wheels turning. The sensation of no control while you're on the highway is still there. I took it to another guy who replaced the drive shaft. It still did nothing. Took it to another guy who replaced the tie ends. Nothing. I took it to another guy who replaced the power steering pump and it did nothing. I then took it to a Midas where they insisted the gear box put in there previously was bad and I needed another one. Their estimate for that was $893 which I wasn't willing to pay for a part that had already been replaced and that I personally doubted would do anything. I then took it to another mechanic who wanted to replace multiple things that I can't actually remember but included parts that had already been replaced for the total of $1300. I had another guy tell me it just needed to be aligned but I have had it aligned every time somebody has messed with it. My last stop was this week taking it to the dealer where they told me it needed four new tires and new struts, totaling $1750. I doubt that it's the tires because they were new 2 years ago when I started this journey. I'm considering selling it now. Any further advice would be appreciated. Discretesignals Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator Feb 14, 2015, 10:49 AM Post #2 of 3 (1505 views) Re: Too much play in the steering wheel. Sign In Slide underneath the truck with a flash light with wheels on the ground. With the engine off have someone move the steering wheel back and forth in the area of play. Watch steering and suspension components for play. Also watch the shaft that connects to the gear box to be sure it doesn't have excessive play. Does this truck have variable effort steering? Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved. (This post was edited by Discretesignals on Feb 14, 2015, 10:52 AM) Tom Greenleaf Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator Feb 14, 2015, 10:56 AM Post #3 of 3 (1495 views) Re: Too much play in the steering wheel. Sign In ! New box and still play! As DS said look for the play elsewhere. Engine off, key to unlock wheel with helper as needed turn the shaft by hand under hood if needed to spot issue. IDK about variable steering on this. Another older "Suburban" bought new was always too hard or seemed to lack enough assist and no choices on that, a '96 may not apply at all to this, T   Email This Post   Automotive Repair     Auto Body Repair and Refinishing     Heating or AC Issues     Electrical and Wiring     Brake Systems     Car Stereo Repair Advice     General Discussions     Car Making Funny Noises     Engine Fault Codes     Engine Troubles     Exhaust Systems     Steering and Suspension     Transmission Troubles     Tricks of the Trade Automotive World     General Discussions     Antique Car Talk     Car Shows and Events     The Bargin Bin     Motor Vehicle Inspection     Car Care Tips     Traffic Tickets     Gasoline, Motor Oils, Concept Cars and Engines     Auto Insurance, Financing, Leases, Warranties Truck Repair     General Discussions     Truck Engine Repair     Truck Suspension Repair Motorcycle Repair     General Discussions     Motorcycle Engine Repair CarJunky     Open Posting     Board FAQ's     New Board Suggestions

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