Compared to our new Volkswagen Passat, my Integra has very... "floppy" or "loose" steering at highway speeds (80-ish and above). The mechanic said that my left front outer tie rod has "excessive play". Would this be a major cause of loose steering? If not, what can I do to tighten up the steering and get a more solid feel? The Passat just feels a lot more secure and able at high speeds.

Thanks!
Ben

 

The integra power steering seems a little over active at times. But not floppy. If there is play in the steering you will be able to detect that while still. Max play should be like 1/2 inch or so I believe.

Have you had an alignment done?


[Modified by vteg, 6:55 PM 9/4/2002]

 

If you've got a tie rod with excessive play in it that could cause a loose steering feel. What year Passat are you comparing i to?

 

While at a standstill, wiggle the steering wheel from left to right and see if the steering wheel has excessive freeplay or any popping/clunking noises.

BTW, bad tie rod balljoints can cause the car to follow grooves and pull to the side, making the car hard to control.


[Modified by IN VTEC, 9:23 PM 9/4/2002]

 

I'm comparing to a 2002 Passat GLX.

We'll see how it feels after I get the tie rod replaced. I just went on a trip with the Passat and came home to the Integra and the steering at speed felt sloppy.

Ben

 

how much do new tie rod balljoints normally cost?

 

They're $30 to $35 for each side (OEM Honda)....figure about $60 to $70 total, not including labor.

I was quoted $50 by Honda for the part and installation, but the tie rod was a Napa unit, not OEM Honda....so I just used my SRR tie rods I had laying around. Good thing I hadn't sold them at the time.

To do the install you'll need:

19mm box wrench
22mm box wrench
pitman arm puller (from Autozone)
17mm deep socket & ratchet
pliers - to pull out the cotter pin

Easy stuff, but you gotta put your backbone into it to get some of the stuff loosened.

 

how much were the SRR tie rods?

 

I can get them at wholesale, so I only paid $60. It's kind of a retailer no-no to give out their buy prices, but......what the hell....nobody ever buys them anyways (only Cheezefrog has dared). Not to mention that the place I get them from are totally on backorder for SRR products (except the shift *****....people seem to think they're really ugly).

The tie rods are lighter....significantly by comparison with an OEM Honda tie rod, but not in the grand scheme of an entire automobile.

Now if there were only a away to make a bunch of shift ***** into something useful.