Dead zone in steering wheel

[James Downing]

I never really noticed it until I drove my friends Acura Legend. My SHO has about 5 degrees of 'dead zone'. Basically, I can move the steering wheel back and fourth a bit, with no effect on my trajectory. I am hoping the problem lies in the steering column, and not within the steering rack.

While Im at it, I seem to have picked up a ticking sound in my right wheel well when I turn the wheel. But it doesnt only happen when in motion, it also happens when still. The sound only happens while the steering wheel is being turned, when the steering wheel is held in place, even in a turn, it doesnt tick.

Okay, those are my two problems as of now. Thanks for any help guys.

 

[projectSHO89]

Tie rods, tie rod ends, balljoints, rack, and steering column are all possibilities.

You will have to perform a mechanical inspection.

As for the ticking noise, you will need an assistant to pinpoin the source.

Steve

 

[PanamaPat]

James Downing:
I never really noticed it until I drove my friends Acura Legend. My SHO has about 5 degrees of 'dead zone'. Basically, I can move the steering wheel back and fourth a bit, with no effect on my trajectory. I am hoping the problem lies in the steering column, and not within the steering rack.

You might check on the steering column, under the boot as it passes through the floor, for a loose coupling. Once you get the boot off, you can move the steering wheel back and forth to see if the play is coming from there. If so, tighten gently until the play is gone, but don't overtighten as I hear the bolt can break.

 

[James Downing]

Thank you, I followed the column into the floor, and the whole thing turns from the wheel to the floor, so I will check the boot tomorrow, along with my transmission cooler install... yay! burnout

Anything epecial I should know about removing the boot?

<small>[ December 20, 2003, 11:16 AM: Message edited by: James Downing ]</small>

 

[projectSHO89]

James Downing:


Anything epecial I should know about removing the boot?

Deepwell socket (10 mm IIRC), U-joint, and a couple of extensions.

Being a double-jointed contortionist certainly wouldn't hurt.

Steve

 

[haydenm315]

projectSHO89:

Being a double-jointed contortionist certainly wouldn't hurt.

Steve

I hear you there. It's definately not fun being under there and trying to move.