play

**countryboy73703** · 07-07-2009, 12:13 PM

I know this is pretty common problem, well thats what I've heard, anywayz, '98 z71, I have like 4 inches of play in my steering wheel, replaced ball joints already which was a bitch cause they were still manufacture joints, anywyz, just wondering cause I'm sure i'm not the only one with this problem, think that it might be my tie rod ends, but not sure, and I want to know what it is before I just go and start replacing everything, thanks in advance...

**bob13** · 07-07-2009, 12:24 PM

First I would try to determine WHERE the play is. With the hood open have a friend look at the shaft where it actuates the steering box. If the play is in the shaft before the steering box, bingo. If it is after the steering box you have to look at the pitman arm, center link, etc. You should be able to isolate what is causing the play.

**Jimbo74** · 07-07-2009, 12:41 PM

i agree with bob, buddy of mine had that problem with his 95 Z-71 and he just replaced the steering box and that made a huge difference, but good luck hope ya get it fixed

**2COR517** · 07-07-2009, 03:58 PM

Jack up one tire off the ground. Get a buddy to grab the tire and 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock. Have him shake back and forth while you look underneath. You have four tie rod ends, a pitman arm joint, and two joints on the idler arm. Of course, the steering box could be trouble.