Quote:
after a 90 degree turn there is so much play that when the wheels are returned to straight the wheel is at a severe angle to the wheels
How much angle? Up to 45 degrees off is fairly common and usually caused by worn steering linkage.
To inspect for worn steering linkage:
1. lie on the ground near the driver's side door, looking at the underside of the car
2. reach up and wiggle the steering wheel back and forth (with the door open)
3. watch to see if any of the rods move independent of each other. If they do, the rod ends need replacement.
4. the steering knuckle, and thus tires, should move with the tie-rods. If a rod moves, but not the tyres, the linkage is worn at that point
5. the idler arm should NOT move up and down, only rotate. Replace
Idler Arm bushings if ANY up-and-down motion is detected
Potential causes of loose steering:
* Bolts holding steering gearbox to chassis are loose
* Linkage is worn (perhaps ball joints, tie rod ends, or cross rod)
* Steering gearbox is worn (often causes up to 3" play at steering wheel)
* Front hub wheel bearings are not adjusted correctly
* Bracket holding the tension rod has broken
See
Steering System Diagnoses
Transfer
