Excessive play in steering

[dapepper9]

So, I can move the steering wheel about an inch or so left or right without the wheels moving at all. Back in February we replaced the front u-joints, a month later I got new tires and got it aligned and they said ball joints were bad and replaced them as well as the tie rod end. I just got done checking the steering damper and its good. Would the pitman arm, drag link, or tie rod be still causing this? Or would it be my steering gear?

 

[dapepper9]

correction, I described it wrong (My dad discovered it and I haven't driven it yet). Its not that is has too much play, its that it doesn't re-center after turning. It starts to want to but then it hits a point where it stops and it will hold that curve all day long if you let it.

 

[dodge dude94]

Steering box it set a bit too tight. There is an adjustment screw on the top of it.

 

[Merc225hp]

From the FSM

STEERING WHEEL DOES
NOT WANT TO RETURN
TO CENTER POSITION

1. Tires not properly inflated.

2. Improper front wheel alignment. Odds are good this is your problem.

3. Lack of lubrication in ball joint.
4. Steering column U-joints misaligned.
5. Mispositioned dash cover.
6. Steering wheel rubbing.
7. Damaged, mis-positioned or un-lubricated steering column coupler to dash seal.
8. Binding upper strut bearing.
9. Tight steering shaft bearing.
10. Excessive friction in steering coupler.
11. High friction in steering gear.
12. Steering coupler mispositioned to steering gear (rubbing).


1. Inflate tires to proper pressure.
2. Check and adjust as necessary.
3. Replace as required or lubricate.
4. Realign steering column U-joints.
5. Reposition dash cover.

To evaluate items 6 and 7, disconnect
the intermediate steering shaft. Turn
the steering wheel and listen for
internal rubbing in column.

6. Adjust covers.
7. Correct condition.
8. Repair binding condition.
9. Replace steering column.
10. Replace steering coupler!
11. Replace steering gear.
12. Reposition coupling.
J9519