Loose steering

[geetarspaz]

So ive got my stiff suspension, new wheels and tires, and the only thing holding me back now is my loose steering. when i turn the wheel it takes a long time for any action to occur. i can be upside down, and basically only going at a 45* angle. what exactly needs to be replaced so i dont spend extra on things i dont need to make this back to being spot on? thanks

[teen ti]

sounds like tie rods or control arms/bushings to me

[geetarspaz]

Originally Posted by teen ti

sounds like tie rods or control arms/bushings to me

thanks ill check it out. do you think it could be all/either one? the car has 133k miles on it

[teen ti]

if its all original then basically all of your bushings should probably be replaced, and I wouldn't be surprised to see the tie rods needing replacement as well

[geetarspaz]

Originally Posted by teen ti

if its all original then basically all of your bushings should probably be replaced, and I wouldn't be surprised to see the tie rods needing replacement as well

alright thanks. it is pretty bad i gotta say and really puts a damper on the handlign

[teen ti]

It can get pretty scary when you look at the suspension after 100k miles and every things original, and in all honesty it could be any or all of the front suspension thats causing your problem, but I' definitely look at the tie rods and control arms/control arm bushings first, then the sway bar bushings, links and mounts, motor mounts are a good thing to replace too.

[mtlblue]

There was a similar problem on another thread yesterday, but for a stiff steering. Makes me think of the top plates..

[jca]

Worn out steering gear?

[spidertri]

You can look into the column parts but if you've never replaced the control arm bushings, ball joints, or tie rods it could really be any of that.

You can jack the car up, put it on stands, and shake the wheels to see if any of the suspension parts seem loose.

Column U joint write up.
http://www.alpinewhite.net/?p=137

[geetarspaz]

Originally Posted by teen ti

It can get pretty scary when you look at the suspension after 100k miles and every things original, and in all honesty it could be any or all of the front suspension thats causing your problem, but I' definitely look at the tie rods and control arms/control arm bushings first, then the sway bar bushings, links and mounts, motor mounts are a good thing to replace too.

So this is what im going to order from bav auto in a few weeks or so, everything from BAVauto.com because they have free shipping over $150 and i've always gotten my stuff within 2-3 days after ordering from these guys.

control arms:
255 kit left&right meyle bushings
tie rod $100 both
tie rod lock plate $4 both
sway bar link $50 both
alignment+balance: ~ $80
total $480

edit: should i replace control arms/bushings first, or the tie rods. im not sure if i should do one or the other first or do this all in one big sweep so its all new parts and get an alignment and balancing right afterwards.