"Play in my steering wheel"

Moanin · 29-05-2008 7:07pm #1

I noticed while sitting in my car today with the engine turned off that when I move the steering wheel from left to right there is a little bit of "play".What I mean by play is that the steering wheel moves ever so slight from left to right but the actual wheels of the car do not move.Anyone any ideas what my be worn / wrong somewhere along the steering system? By the way the car is an audi A4

Thanks

peasant · 29-05-2008 7:12pm

With the engine off and therefore the power assisted steering off as well that could be quite normal.

Does it also happen with the engine on?

Mr.Diagnostic · 29-05-2008 7:17pm

It would be normal for a car with a steering box to have a litte play but your A4 has a rack which should not have any play.

Moanin · 29-05-2008 7:19pm

peasant wrote: »

With the engine off and therefore the power assisted steering off as well that could be quite normal.

Does it also happen with the engine on?

I'm not sure I will test it tomorrow

Moanin · 29-05-2008 7:22pm

Mr.Diagnostic wrote: »

It would be normal for a car with a steering box to have a litte play but your A4 has a rack which should not have any play.

Hmmmm any idea what the problem may be then? I had to get the steering rack replaced about a week ago.The seals cracked and it was leaking power steering fluid

peasant · 29-05-2008 7:22pm

Moanin wrote: »

I'm not sure I will test it tomorrow

If Mr.Diagnostic is right (and he usually is) you will probably find play there as well

JHMEG · 29-05-2008 7:42pm

Moanin wrote: »

Hmmmm any idea what the problem may be then? I had to get the steering rack replaced about a week ago.The seals cracked and it was leaking power steering fluid

You had to get the rack replaced because of leaky seals?

A bit of play is normal on older cars. Knuckle joint wears with use.

Mr.Diagnostic · 29-05-2008 7:44pm

If I remember correctly the A4 has 2 UJ's on the colum. These could cause it. Trackrod ends could too.

It is not always easy to detect play so you could also be mistaken. That would be the best solution.

Moanin · 29-05-2008 7:55pm

JHMEG wrote: »

You had to get the rack replaced because of leaky seals?

A bit of play is normal on older cars. Knuckle joint wears with use.

Yip so my mechanic said

Mr.Diagnostic wrote: »

If I remember correctly the A4 has 2 UJ's on the colum. These could cause it. Trackrod ends could too.

It is not always easy to detect play so you could also be mistaken. That would be the best solution.

Along with the rack both inner and outter track rod ends were replaced also. Will bring it to my mechanic to have a look at it.

Thanks all

crosstownk · 29-05-2008 8:07pm

Before you start condemning parts - it could be as simple as an appearance of play due to flexing of the tyre's sidewall which is normal. If you're looking for movement at the roadwheel, watch the wheel itself and not the tyre.

Moanin · 29-05-2008 8:16pm

crosstownk wrote: »

Before you start condemning parts - it could be as simple as an appearance of play due to flexing of the tyre's sidewall which is normal. If you're looking for movement at the roadwheel, watch the wheel itself and not the tyre.

Just had a look as you said.There is still a little "play" and the wheel is not moving as I move the steering wheel from left to right.

Any other theories ?

JHMEG · 29-05-2008 8:21pm

Moanin wrote: »

Yip so my mechanic said

And?

peasant · 29-05-2008 8:22pm

How much of a little actually is "a little" in your case ?

Are we talking mm's or cm's of play in the steering wheel here?

Mr.Diagnostic · 29-05-2008 8:44pm

Just had a thought (happens sometimes), didnt the A4 have rubber inserts on the inside of the trackrods that would giv a little movement? If so then a tiny bit of movement would be normal. If I remember correctly there was a recall on these too.

Worn knuckle joints will give a little play, buy thats not normal, thats wear.

crosstownk · 29-05-2008 8:50pm

Check here to see if any recalls are outstanding.

Moanin · 29-05-2008 9:17pm

peasant wrote: »

How much of a little actually is "a little" in your case ?

Are we talking mm's or cm's of play in the steering wheel here?

A couple of mm's

peasant · 29-05-2008 9:44pm

A couple of Millimeter?

I would consider that perfectly normal.

You're probably only just noticing it now (and slightly over-reacting

) because it was recently repaired and you had to go and "inspect" it

:D:D

Don't worry ...I'm the same :rolleyes:

Moanin · 29-05-2008 10:11pm

peasant wrote: »

A couple of Millimeter?

I would consider that perfectly normal.

You're probably only just noticing it now (and slightly over-reacting ) because it was recently repaired and you had to go and "inspect" it :D:D

Don't worry ...I'm the same :rolleyes:

True but I like to have it perfect so I will probably run it by my mechanic and see what he thinks.

Thanks

"Play in my steering wheel"

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