Play in steering, help!

[fstamand]

I noticed some "play" in the steering, (88 festy btw). When I jack the car up, and move the tire from side to side, there is some play coming from the inner tie rods or inside the rack. This play is noticeable on both sides. Clues?

[htchbck]

Sounds like you're already on the right track diagnosing it. It could also be from the outer tie rods as well.

[fstamand]

Forgot to mention, popped the outers out and there is still play from inner/rack... I guess the next step is to pull the boots out and inspect?

[TominMO]

Sounds like you're already on the right track diagnosing it. It could also be from the outer tie rods as well.

Yeah, take a good look at the tie rod ends. I'll bet the boots on one or both are shot. Replace 'em. Use Moog tie rod ends; they last longer. If, before you remove the old ones, you count the threads that are showing, you can put the new ones on to that same thread location, and not have to re-align the steering.

Also take a look at your lower control arms, under the knuckle where the ball joint is. Again look at the boot condition. Those can actually pop out from wear if the boots have been torn for a while, which is a very bad thing safety-wise. Moogs are best here too.

[TominMO]

Forgot to mention, popped the outers out and there is still play from inner/rack... I guess the next step is to pull the boots out and inspect?

Sounds like the inner tie rods might need replacing too. And replace the boots if they are torn.

[fstamand]

Yeah all the boots are cracked, time to make moog stocks go up

[TominMO]

Yeah all the boots are cracked, time to make moog stocks go up

So you'll be replacing everything I guess. The main reason to go with Moog is that the rubber on their boots seems to last longer. But you can go cheap if you have to; just keep an eye on the tie rod end boots (and lower control arm boots too). Evey six months or so, squirt 'em with Armor-All to lengthen their life.

[1990new]

Just changed my sway bar bushings and will be replacing the tie rod ends this week.
Had not thought of putting Armor-All on the suspension rubber parts under the car.
Great tip.

[fstamand]

I'm new at festiva and amazed on how cheap parts are, and how easy they are to work on! I think I just jinxed myself

[gotrootdude]

It'll quickly become your 30min-hour weekly project as you add driving lights, seat-steering wheel covers, DIY hatch cover, LED brake light, do your own oil-changes/tune-ups, etc.. Get used to the $25 weekly fill-up.

[TominMO]

It'll quickly become your 30min-hour weekly project as you add driving lights, seat-steering wheel covers, DIY hatch cover, LED brake light, do your own oil-changes/tune-ups, etc.. Get used to the $25 weekly fill-up.

$25 weekly? Does he have a special 6-gallon gas tank?

[1990new]

I noticed some "play" in the steering, (88 festy btw). When I jack the car up, and move the tire from side to side, there is some play coming from the inner tie rods or inside the rack. This play is noticeable on both sides. Clues?

Did did you determine the complete problem.
Thought mine was the inner tie rod but turned out to be the rack bushing.
Had to get it rebuilt.

[Christ]

You guys can replace the rubber grease cups with urethane. Energy sells pieces for that. The inner boots, probably not. You might find silicon replacements if you search hard enough, though.