Hi, I have a 96 Accord. I feel some play in the steering wheel as if the rack and pinion is moving side to side about half inch while driving straight? Is this an adjustment to the rack and pinion assembly?


Qd

 

you have two sets of mounting bushings that hold the steering rack to the frame

however it could just be that you need an alignment

 

Is it a cyclic back and forth movement of the steering wheel? If so is it worse at certain speed ranges? If yes to those things then your wheels/tires may be out of balance.

As holmesnmanny said, you alignment could be off. Your inner/outer tie rod ball joints may have a lot of play/be very worn. Your control arm ball joints may also be shot. What is the suspension maintenance history?

 

I have this issue too in my 93 and got an alignment last weekend but the issue is still there and a noise on the left. (sounds like the tire is low)

 

^This.

If the bushings get oil on them they will swell and turn into marshmallows, allowing lateral slop.

 

Thanks for the tips. I will have the alignment checked as I had new bushings installed a month ago.

Qdmazo

 

things I check for when I feel loose steering:

1) lug nuts
2) tie-rod ends- inner and outer
3) signs of contamination in the rack such as torn dust boots and dirt present near the inner seal if the boot is torn
4) rack mounting hardware (bolts, bushings)

recently added #3 when I found a severely loose '95 Oddysey that never had a torn boot replaced allowing dirt and debris into the rack housing wearing down the rack and pinion teeth.