How much play in steering wheel is ok

[dkad260]

2012 XL Denali

I'm assuming no play is allowed between wheel and rack output. Within the last year, I have replaced the front diff mounts, steering rack bushings, and in the last 6 months, power steering lines, inner and outer tie rods, upper and lower control arms, so all 4 arms and ball joints have been replaced....everything is tight. I had it aligned and all has been perfect.

Driving home today I noticed a slight "dead zone" with the wheels straight. I climbed under and checked everything, all is tight, no play in any bushings. I can rock the wheel back and forth with no movement of the rack as depicted in the short video clip.I haven't hit anything, but with 160K, my luck the rack is now worn. It doesn't really wander, but has this new dead zone with wheels straight.

 

[Marky Dissod]

You worked your way up from the ground, yeah? If there's zero wiggle / play from left to right / between tires,
then next thing to check is between you and rack&pinion - steering COLUMN needs tightening of some sort.

 

[dkad260]

steering COLUMN needs tightening of some sort.

There's no play from the steering wheel to the rack input, the play is between the rack input and the output....

 

[Marky Dissod]

If you're sayin that the play is where your input stops going downward & starts going left-to-right,
don't know if that's adjustable like it is in recirculating ball steering systems.
If not, then I guess it's time for a new rack?

My very mildly loose tie rod ends yield about the same amount of play as you have, & I'm about to replace them.

 

[petethepug]

I had a $150 Detroit Axle reman rack installed earlier this year while the front end was refurbished for the first time in 180k on our 09 Esky.

The intention was to have my original rack rebuilt because there’s so much junk out there. I’ll be damnéd the DA rack was a day/night difference in tracking straight without corrections and the reduction in effort needed for highway driving.

My only suggestion if you replace the rack is not to use OEM gm rack fluid. It foamed and caveatted in the new rack in our 08 YXL Denali. After a flush and adding Amsoil fluid, it cured the issue.

 

[Sgt1411]

Thanks for this thread, my 07 Escalade is showing the exact same behavior I thought it was because I put aftermarket 22" wheels and tires instead of keeping the stock 18" wheels and tires. I will start checking from the ground up.