Excessive steering play, Need second opinion

[Kingdom934]

Hi peeps

Info: 1994 XLE V6 Camry w/ 220K+

I need a second opinon on a problem that my friend is having. This may determind the fate of the car.

There is excessive steering play...a lot actually.

I did some basic checks. I lifted the front end and did a visual inspection. Pretty much the entire front end is all orginal components (as far as I know) aside from the CV axles. I know it could use new struts and what not, but the steering issue is far the worst.

First I thought it could be the outer tie rod ends as my Camry had some pretty bad steering play, but not no where near as bad as my friends one. I did the typical 9 to 3 and the 12 to 6. Everything seemed pretty tight UNTIL I dropped the car on the ground and turned the wheel again. When I looked near the back side of the engine to look at the steering rack, I could have sworn I've seen the entire rack move about an inch or so when turning the wheel

I'm assuming the rack is moving causing all the excessive play with the steering.




My next question: Is the steering rack (rack and pinon) bushing fairly easy to do or does it require the entire removal of the rack? Could the brackets holding the rack be loose?


Got a video below to show how much play there is in the wheel when the car is parked. I seriously do not know how my friend can drive on the freeway with so much play.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHMhL...ature=youtu.be

The video shows the 'free' play as I can easly turn the steering wheel.

[Jimnist]

Originally Posted by Kingdom934

Is the steering rack (rack and pinon) bushing fairly easy to do or does it require the entire removal of the rack? Could the brackets holding the rack be loose?

Should be able to replace the bushes with the rack in situ. Worn bushes and loose mounting hardware can cause play. While you''re working in that area, it's easy to check both.

Worn inner tie rod ends usually cause freeplay as well, not so much on the outer.

[Kingdom934]

SO I did more futher inspection today.





So this bracket is holding onto the rack and pinon. When I move the driver wheel by hand, the entire rack and pinon flexes. I think the bushing there is bad, but when I went to look for the parts, there are two bushings. Not sure which one it would be, though i suspect both needs to be replaced on the front. Any ideal how this would be replaced?

Would it be this? MOOG Part # K9892
Or would it be this? RAYBESTOS Part # 5775077



Either way, both of the outer tie rod do have some play, so new tie rods ends for both fronts.