What Is the Maximum Allowable Steering Wheel Play? Our Research

Steering wheel play is a normal thing that steering systems experience as they age. It occurs as a result of wear, tear, displacement, or damage to steering or suspension parts. It's the most common problem associated with steering racks. Thankfully, the situation can be prevented through routine maintenance.

The maximum allowable steering wheel play is 10 degrees. This means that it shouldn't be more than 2 inches of movement at the rim of a 20-inch steering wheel. Similarly, it shouldn't be more than a ½ inch on a 15-inch steering wheel. You'll find it hard to control the vehicle if there's more "play" than that.

This guide answers more questions than just the above. Get ready to find out what steering wheel free play means, its causes, and various fixes.

What Is Steering Free Play?

Steering free play is when the steering wheel has too much play-that is-wanders from side to side or moves back and forth in the driver's hands. The vehicle will be difficult to steer, uncontrollable, or won't even be steering at all. It will be hard for you to know the position of the front wheels as well.

This problem is such a big deal when one considers the several vehicle parts that are associated with steering operation. One of those components can cause free play, but it can also be a group of parts contributing to the issue.

You can experience an inch or two of excessive play in any of the steering directions, or it can be a severe situation where it will be ridiculous to continue driving the vehicle. Please treat this matter as a safety hazard, whatever the case may be!

Causes of Steering Free Play

The various factors that contribute to the problem of free play have been given below.

• Strut bearing wear
• Steering rack or tie rod wear/damage
• Ball joint wear
• Steering rack mount damage
• Control arm bushing wear
• Suspension issues
• Steering shaft rubber wear - Lower part moving slightly independently from the upper part when handled
• Loose steering parts - For example; steering gear, steering linkage sockets, etc.

Symptoms of Steering Free Play

These are the signs of free play that can be noticed on your steering:

• Loose steering wheel.
• Noise from the steering rack - For example; groaning, creaking, etc.
• Vehicle pulling to a side while in motion.

Fixes for Excess Play in the Steering

The only way to repair worn or damaged strut bearings, tie rods, steering racks, control arm bushings, and ball joints is by replacing them. The steering rack could be rebuilt by a professional, but it's best to change it.

You may be able to fix the steering rack mounts for some car models, but yours may require you to swap out the whole steering rack. For loose steering parts, tighten them properly. See how to fix a steering shaft rubber wear below.

1) DIY Steering Shaft Wear Check and Fix

Do the following instead of replacing the whole shaft because there's no replacement part for the worn rubber.

Step 1: Test the Steering Shaft

Try moving the lower part of the steering shaft to feel how loose it is.

Step 2: Pull Out the Lower Part

Examine it for rubber deterioration and clean it.

Step 3: Coat the Upper Part

Use a windshield adhesive to coat the inside of the steering shaft's upper part.  That's your replacement rubber!

Step 4: Re-Insert the Lower Part

Immediately and slowly insert the lower part of the steering shaft back in place after step 3. Hold the lower part in place to prevent it from falling off before the adhesive completely cures.

Step 5: Test the Job

Try to move the lower part of your steering shaft to see if it's not as flexible as before.

Note: Don't weld the upper and lower part of the shaft together as a permanent solution. It's not advisable because you'll start feeling all the vibrations (previously cushioned by the worn rubber) when you drive.

2) Steering Play Checks at an Auto Repair Shop

Auto repairers conduct what's called a dry park test where your car is placed on a ramp with an inspection bay under it. One technician will be in the driver-side of the car, while another will be in the inspection bay.

The technician in the car will be moving the steering wheel sideways and trying to discover the amount of play in the steering. On the other hand, the one outside will be examining the steering linkage sockets, rack and pinion steering, etc.

Steering wheel play is best diagnosed and fixed at a mechanic's workshop. This is because of the many components that would have to be assessed during the investigation. Adequate expertise is needed for this and not DIY knowledge.

Some mechanics may allow a customer into the inspection bay to watch what's being done to his or her car. This is the best kind of experience for you as a paying customer. It can be reassuring to be a part of the procedure, even if you're only spectating.

3) How To Perform a Simple DIY Steering Wheel Play Check

Follow the steps here to perform a simple steering wheel play examination in your home garage.

Step 1: Raise the Vehicle Properly

Your car should be parked on a ramp with the tires resting on the platform and the vehicle pointing forward. Engage the handbrake securely and chock the rear wheels. A rear-wheel drive car should be put in gear, while an automatic vehicle should be in "park".

Step 2: Test the Steering Wheel

Rotate the steering wheel to both sides to know where the movement stops on either side. Do this without moving the tires. Assess the extent of free play at the steering wheel's circumference using the standard allowable maximum.

Note: The play limits mentioned earlier are the general rules for standard-diameter steering wheels. Lower or higher limits should be followed for smaller or bigger-diameter steering wheels.

4) Non-Power Steering Check vs. Power Steering Check

There's a slight difference in the conditions between investigating non-power steering and examining power steering. You can check for steering free play in non-power steering by turning the steering wheel sideways and watching for a breach of the max allowable limit.

However, a power steering check involves stricter considerations. The engine has to be running and the max limit shouldn't be breached prior to the front left wheel barely moving.

5) Diagnosing Steering Rack or Suspension Failure

It's especially hard to diagnose steering rack issues. And there's the possibility of the suspension being the culprit instead of the steering rack. Issues that can bring about such confusion are listed below.

• Steering rack noises
• Vehicle instability at high speeds.
• Disproportionate tire wear.
• When the steering wheel doesn't return to the center after it's turned.

You should have some knowledge about the relationship between your car's steering system and suspension. There are a variety of steering systems and suspension designs. But they all have three primary component groups as outlined below.

• Steering box or rack and pinion that's linked to the steering wheel via the steering column.
• Linkages between the steering box and wheel assemblies at the front wheels.
• Front suspension components that let the wheel assemblies turn at the joints and set tire positions while driving.

Your car's front-end assembly is a combination of both the steering and suspension systems. They're joined together by a series of linkages. The steering box is connected to the front wheel assemblies. This facilitates forward and backward movement when you rotate the steering wheel.

Wear in the linkage system can make it weak and lead to free play in the steering mechanism. The handling will be too free and sloppy. The same can also happen when the tooth contact inside the steering gearbox (rack and pinion) changes as your car gets older or maladjusted.

You may have to take the vehicle to a mechanic to get the system well-balanced. But a car that has high mileage will most likely require many components or whole systems to be swapped out.

Specialized equipment is often necessary for suspension parts to be well-serviced. Each suspension part change requires a wheel alignment to be carried out. Ensure that you read the vehicle owners' manual prior to beginning any steering free play-related work on your car.

Conclusion

You rely on your car's steering system anytime you try to maintain a steady course while driving or make turns. This is why you can't afford to take the issue of steering play for granted. It should be dealt with ASAP and preventive measures should also be implemented.

There have to be regular checks that involve steering maintenance at a mechanic's workshop. And if possible, you go could choose an auto repairer that will let you watch as the technicians perform a steering play check on the vehicle.