I have a 92 Civic EX 4dr. (canadian so D15B7, but with power steering), and I'm having problems with looseness in my steering. The steering wheel is free to move back and forth about 2 inces each way without actually turning the car.

Example...
http://www.we-todd-did-racing....DE%3D

and it appears that I might have a bit of looseness in my front wheels when wiggled side to side. I don't actually know how much they should move so here's a movie...

http://www.we-todd-did-racing....DE%3D

I just replaced the tie rod on the drivers side as well as some other stuff i can't really remember right now, last fall. I had an alignment done 2 weeks ago (badly needed) and I also just noticed a torn boot on the tie-rod from the drivers side...



I should obviously fix that boot but I don't think it is the source of my problems, because this has been going on for quite a while (got a bit better after alignment, but still bad). is this likely something that can be fixed by properly tightening the rack guide screw or is it something worse? I would try tightening the guide screw, but I've never done it before, nor seen it done before, and I don't have a 40 MM locknut wrench, so I will probably have to bring it into a shop. any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

sounds like your tie rod balljoints are loose.

did you properly lock the washer when you installed the new inner tie rod?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Tyson &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">sounds like your tie rod balljoints are loose.

did you properly lock the washer when you installed the new inner tie rod?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I didn't do the service, I took it to Honda cause it was basically half the drivers front end that had to be replaced. It was doing this before I took it in for the service however, so unless they made the same mistake that was there b4, I think it's probably something else. any other ideas????

 

i would question the work that was done. especially with your boot torn like that. they dont typically tear at that part.

 

it might be the rack itself

 

Best thing to do is take it to a shop and have them do a "Dry Park Check". Basically, it's the proper way to evaluate both inner and outter tie rods. What they do is drive your car onto a rack (an alignment rack, but not on turn plates) and has one person turning the steering wheel side to side without actually turning the tires. A second person then feels the tie rods for any amount of play. This is done with the vehicle turned off by the way.

Hope this helps in some way.

Latez,

Paul