KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

when i am stopped at a light or traveling at very slow speeds, if i slightly turn my steering wheel in either direction, it feels like there is totally free movement until i pass a certain threshold where it feels like the steering wheel finally 'grabs' the wheels... i understand that there should be some free movement but it feels very dramatic (no resistance in the wheel then slight resistance of the wheels grabbing)...

also when i turn the wheel to the left side, before i feel the wheels 'grab,' i hear a slight click right in the steering wheel...

i am thinking it might be one of the connections within the steering column??? i had the front on jack stands and tried to shake the wheels left to right but they are solid, so i will eliminate outer tie rods???

KrayzieDxC

same-o, imma have to free play it again.

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

uhm que???

Go90go

^ Haha!

~Cheers~

P.S. I have a little play, too, but if anything Kam, it could be your clockspring.

meazz1

I had the same problem, right below the clock spring, There's a spring that turns on and off the signal light when you turn your steering wheel, the grease on it become so dry and sticky, the spring was getting caught on the base.

I regreased it and the play went away.

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

how do you get to it??? do i have to take the steering wheel off and junk???

meazz1

Yes, steering wheel needs to come out.
It's not such a big deal to remove the Air bag and the wheel, you will need a steering wheel puller.
Autozone sells for around $10 to $15.

Go90go

^ IIRC, the clockspring does make the signal stalk go back into place... Anyhow, when you remove the wheel, Kam, be sure to first disconnect your battery, turn on some interior lights or your headlights and wait 3 minutes, then proceed to disconnect your airbag. You don't really need a steering wheel puller, just take off the nut, then screw it back on a few twists and pull the wheel as hard as you can. the nut being partially there will help prevent a broken nose, haha.

~Cheers~

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

i'll give it a go this sunday... do i need to replace this spring or just grease it up???

meazz1

Very likely,the grease dried up, clean the spring, the base that's all you need than apply some grease.
Once you removed the spring, if you look down into to it, there's a bearing also. I also greased it. Very tight spot to get to. I used a tooth pick tip to put some grease there.

make sure, you unplug the battery, than press the break few times to get rid of any electric build up before removing the air bag. Two torx head screws hold the air bag in place. I forgot the size. Than unplug three electric connectors from the steering wheel, once the bag is out, unbolt the steering wheel. Remove three screws from the cable reel. Before removing the cable reel, I secured the position of the cable creel with some duct tape so that it could not unwind itself.

Most likely, the spring is the culprit.

Let me know if you have any question.

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

thanks i hope so... i will update this weekend...