mm2016

I bought a 2003 Honda Civic EX for my son's first car. It look good the price was right we started driving it and realized how much play was in the steering wheel. Jacking up the car grabbing the front wheels at 9 and 3 turning side to side the end of the tie rods look tight. As we looked into the center where the tie rods connect to the rack and pinion there is an awful lot of play. I wasn't sure if they're supposed to be that much play because of the geometry of everything moving as you steer. Is there an adjustment for this to tighten that up or is there something bad that needs to be replaced ?

NDNV

Turn the front wheels to the straight ahead position.
Measure how far you can turn the steering wheel
left and right without moving the front wheels.
If the play is within the limit, the gearbox and
steering linkages are OK. Rotational play 0-10 mm.
If the play exceeds the limit, adjust the rack guide.
If the play is still excessive after
rack guide adjustment, inspect the steering
linkage and gearbox.

NDNV

https://h-tune.co.uk/club/guides/rep...-the-car.1859/

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-...civic-3297694/ for the 1996-2000 Civics but must be similar

Or maybe the whole steering rack needs replacing.

mm2016

I'm going Monday to get the proper wrench to try the adjustment. Thanks