It can be frustrating when you try to steer your car and the wheel just won’t turn. Perhaps the wheel is frozen or there’s something blocking the way. Whatever the case may be, it can be difficult to fix. In this blog post, we will teach you how to fix play in steering wheels and get your vehicle moving in no time. From replacing a frozen wheel to fixing a broken one, we have you covered.
What is the play in steering wheel?
If your steering wheel is not responding as it should, there might be a problem with the play in the wheel. This can be caused by several factors, such as a worn out or broken rack and pinion, loose or corroded ball joint elements, or a faulty control arm. In order to determine the cause of the play and make repairs, you’ll need to take apart your steering wheel. Here’s how:
1. Remove your seat belt and disconnect the battery cables.
2. Remove the trim around the instrument panel.
3. Disconnect the airbag sensor connector and remove the airbag assembly from the dashboard.
4. Remove the four screws that hold down your shift lever assembly and pull it out of its housing. There are also two bolts on each side of this assembly that you’ll need to remove before removing it entirely.
5. Locate and remove the two retaining screws that secure your ball joint element (this will require a phillips head screwdriver). Once those screws have been removed, gently wiggle and pull on the joint until it comes free from its mounting hardware (you may need to use a pry bar if it’s difficult to get at). If there is significant play in this joint, replace it with a new one.
6. Next, locate and remove the three bolts that hold down your steering column assembly (two on each side). After they have been removed, carefully tilt and pull up
Causes of the play in steering wheel
There are many different causes of play in the steering wheel. The most common is a loose or defective joint between the column and the wheel. Replacement of the joint is usually necessary to correct the problem. Other causes of play in the steering wheel include worn ball bearings, cracked shafts, and weak or worn suspension components.
How to fix play in steering wheel
There are a few things that you can do to try and fix play in your steering wheel. First, make sure that the wheel is securely mounted to the car. Try tightening all of the screws or bolts that hold it in place. If you’re still having problems with play, you may need to replace your steering wheel.
Conclusion
If you find that your steering wheel is not responding as it should, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem. By following these simple steps, you should be able to get your car back on the road in no time. If you have any other questions or concerns about fixing play in the steering wheel, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We would be more than happy to help!