Do some steering wheels have too much play in them?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by mikeposttown, Apr 21, 2019.

  1. mikeposttown

    mikeposttown Light Load Member

    Joined:
    Apr 17, 2019
    Messages:
    78
    Thanks Received:
    58
    0
    I think my steering wheel might need tightened up? too much loose play in it before it responds?

    I'm not a mechanic or anything.. is this a factor that needs adjusted sometime?

    I'd like to do a good overall look at my truck.. Anybody have links to a guide to do that? thanks
     
  2. tinytim

    tinytim Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Oct 29, 2007
    Messages:
    5,143
    Thanks Received:
    18,120
    Location:
    Northern Ontario
    0
  3. Omega1

    Omega1 Heavy Load Member

    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2017
    Messages:
    721
    Thanks Received:
    1,598
    Location:
    Oregon
    0
    It certainly can be an issue. If you get a level 1 DOT inspection It will be checked .
     
  4. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2011
    Messages:
    22,242
    Thanks Received:
    114,486
    Location:
    Michigan
    0
    Write it up on your MVIR and tell the company about it.
     
  5. Tombstone69

    Tombstone69 Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Dec 20, 2018
    Messages:
    1,010
    Thanks Received:
    1,346
    Location:
    Jersey shore
    0
    Get it checked by a qualified mechanic, any play in a steering system=worn or loose parts, could be very detrimental to you or someone else's health.
     
  6. 201

    201 Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2014
    Messages:
    12,161
    Thanks Received:
    24,814
    Location:
    high plains colorado
    0
    Well, hold on, I drove trucks with 1/4 rotation of play and never killed anyone, however, excessive play is something to look into. Open the hood, there is a shaft going to the steering box. With truck running, grab the shaft and turn it slightly each way observing the rods it's connected to. You may see the worn part right away. There should be no play in the connecting points ( ball joints)
     
    Canadianhauler21, speedyk and x1Heavy Thank this.
  7. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2015
    Messages:
    17,260
    Thanks Received:
    56,015
    0
    There’s an actual amount that’s allowed, maybe 1” , I can’t remember, it refers to steering box only, that’s if all the front end parts are good.Anything can cause your issue, bad tie rod or pitman arm can be dangerous. Best get it checked out ASAP.
     
  8. supertrucker79

    supertrucker79 Light Load Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2019
    Messages:
    135
    Thanks Received:
    251
    Location:
    Pittsburgh, PA
    0
    The steering lash cannot exceed roughly 2 inches and is based off a formula per steering wheel diameter.

    49 CFR § 570.7 - Steering systems.

    Oddly, many of the pre 2008 or so trucks have pretty sloppy steering even with all the ball joints and steering boxes tight.

    First time I got into a modern truck, was a 2012 cascadia. The frigging steering was tighter than in my 2010 impala or the 2008 Silverado before then which was very tight for a truck then. Thusly, began my first true love of modern trucks.
     
  9. booley

    booley Road Train Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2008
    Messages:
    1,417
    Thanks Received:
    9,474
    0
    I drove some U Model Macks, they were old enough that they didn't have front brakes. Well I swear, some of them must've had a half turn of play on the wheel...and everybody thought that was normal!