How touchy is your steering?

[nascarnate326]

Looking for information related to your 4th gen steering. Replaced the rack and pinion in my car last weekend, still have the same amount of "play" in the steering. When driving I can move the steering wheel about an inch/ inch and a half and the car does not move.

In my Cobalt that much movement will create a lane change- its nice and tight. Camaro just feels sloppy. We can see the wheels moving with the steering wheel.


I have new inner and outer tierods.


Is this normal?

[meissen]

Completely normal.

[sman]

I would say no, moving the steering wheel an inch on my car will do like you said, change lanes, run people over, etc.

Maybe the 93-97 cars had a different steering ratio?

[c0ncEpT]

From what I can remember mine is pretty touchy also.

[Emulsifide]

Check the bushings for your front suspension. If there's any slop, that will carry through to the steering.

[jetice]

I do seem to remember that there is a difference in ratio between early/late 4th gens, but it is minimal. Mine is fairly touchy also, with stock 104k mile parts. I would check for slop in the steering linkage.

[JoeliusZ28]

Completely normal.

Ive driven his car... No it isnt. his is considerably worse than mine and mine is worse than i remember it being when i bought it.

Not an issue of ratio either.

I dont think its the linkage. I looked at it while he turned it. When my linkage was loose after a header install it was a very "defined" region of play... Nates is more gradual at transitioning from play to actual steering action.

[birdie2000]

Might not be this since you replaced the rack and the problem was still there, but this cured my sloppiness problems in the past that seem to fit your description.

http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech2.html#rack_preload

Also, is the rag joint worn?

[Dummybait]

Nate, you get an alignment done yet?

[Lucky SOB]

Have you checked all the linkages on the steering column?

Personally, mine is very tight on the TA

[nascarnate326]

The steering shaft looks to be perfectly inline with the movements from the steering wheel.

The new steering rack did help a little, not the massive impact I was hoping for.

Ill see if I can post a video from work.

[nascarnate326]

[birdie2000]

Might not be this since you replaced the rack and the problem was still there, but this cured my sloppiness problems in the past that seem to fit your description.

http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech2.html#rack_preload

Also, is the rag joint worn?

Give this a try and adjust your preload. Looks like what my car used to do back in the day and the preload adjustment fixed it.

[sman]

Holy hell! No way should you be able to do that with any car. My 30 something year old jeep was like that, I replaced about everything up front before I was able to fix the problem.

I wouldnt screw with the preload on your brand new rack, it should be set from the factory.

[nascarnate326]

Its going to have an alignment done tomorrow, hopefully they can shed light on the issue.

I know its not a C6 Vette but I would the steering to feel as close as possible to one.