FTO AUSTRALIA

Hi all, just a quick one that i hope is simple.
When my car is doing low Speeds (haven't tested it at Higher ones), I have a degree of movement of my steering wheel before it actually does anything. It feels "loose".
Is there something that would cause this? (I know, asking for a diagnosis over the forums is difficult) but maybe there was something common that I missed?
Thanks guys.
Hope this makes sense, I'm still half asleep

Tie rods / tie rod ends.

DIY-able?

It's been done before DIY style, you'll need a wheel alignment after it.

I'm sure someone will be along soon to fill in the details.

Nah basstwitch its your steering rack. Ive got play in my steering wheel, i have to grip the wheel so tight sometimes especially on the highway.

Im only saying this as i have replaced:

Lower Control arm bushes
Tie Rod Ends
Ball Joints
CV's
Multiple Wheel Alignments
Shocks and Springs

silverGPX wrote:Nah basstwitch its your steering rack. Ive got play in my steering wheel, i have to grip the wheel so tight sometimes especially on the highway.

Im only saying this as i have replaced:

Lower Control arm bushes
Tie Rod Ends
Ball Joints
CV's
Multiple Wheel Alignments
Shocks and Springs

I have those symptoms too...
I would be most annoyed if it is my steering rack because my old (rubbish) mechanic apparently Had it reco-ed only a few months ago...

I would personally get a helper to jiggle the steering wheel in a way that does not move the wheels while I had a look under the bonnet.

If the shaft entering the steering rack from the cabin isn't rotating much, I would be looking at the steering wheel and the various joints and mounts that connect the steering wheel to the rack.

If the shaft entering the steering rack from the cabin is rotating but the shafts that go out from the steering rack towards the wheels aren't moving much, I would suggest that it is the steering rack that needs to be replaced / reconditioned.

If the shafts that go out from the steering rack towards the wheels are moving but the wheels are not, it is likely your tie rod ends that need to be replaced.

The steering rack is a PITA to deal with (meaning $$$) so I would want to see with my own two eyes that there is an issue before I start forking out cash.

Dras wrote:I would personally get a helper to jiggle the steering wheel in a way that does not move the wheels while I had a look under the bonnet.

If the shaft entering the steering rack from the cabin isn't rotating much, I would be looking at the steering wheel and the various joints and mounts that connect the steering wheel to the rack.

If the shaft entering the steering rack from the cabin is rotating but the shafts that go out from the steering rack towards the wheels aren't moving much, I would suggest that it is the steering rack that needs to be replaced / reconditioned.

If the shafts that go out from the steering rack towards the wheels are moving but the wheels are not, it is likely your tie rod ends that need to be replaced.

The steering rack is a PITA to deal with (meaning $$$) so I would want to see with my own two eyes that there is an issue before I start forking out cash.

you make a lot of sense dras thanks hopefully I'll get a chance this weekend
Now if only there was a deduction process like that to figure out the shake...
Lol

Ill give that a go Dras.

Also while having a full tank, a bigger guy in the front and a bit of weight in the back (suitcases).

From a stand still accelrating to 100kmh i was getting up it and it was just like uncontrollable, it was all over the lane, felt quite embarrased, its not wheel alignment issue as that was solved recently.

Dunno if that helps, but ill give that steering wheel thing ago.

hey mate lets go in and get 2 racks done he might do it cheaper my cousin just bought a silver GR recently month ago his having the same issues as yours ... let me know when u want to send it off to get it done

Jiggle your steering wheel and have someone see if there is any play in your tie rods and outer tie rods.

vandit wrote:hey mate lets go in and get 2 racks done he might do it cheaper my cousin just bought a silver GR recently month ago his having the same issues as yours ... let me know when you want to send it off to get it done

Yeah im keen but i need someone to pull it out, unless your mate wants to do both, i would pay him.

Yeah his not too keen doing it again apparently it's a pain