Anybody here have any type of slack in their steering wheel. What I mean is when you turn the wheel it takes a while for the car to react. My steering isn't as sensitive as it used to be and the slack is getting worse. ON the highway I can move the wheels in either direction about an inch before I get any kind of reaction. ANother way to tell is when I'm at a standstill and try to turn the wheel back and forth gently. You feel the slack before the power steering kicks in. Maybe a steering box problem?

 

Mine doesn't do that. Definitely not normal.

 

You definately have some sort of a problem with your steering. There should be almost no slack or play in the TL's steering. It's not a good idea to move the steering wheel when the car is sitting still and doing so puts strain on all the steering components. Have your steering checked and compare it to another TL at the dealer just to be sure.

 

Bad news for you sounds like - the one thing about my '04 TL that differs from my wife's '02 is the steering. VERY sensitive and reacts immediately. I actually hate driving her '02 now because comparing the two, it feels as though her power steering is gone - it is very slow and stiff.


Get it check it out.

 

wow, i'm not going crazy. i have the same issue, in addition to the vibration. it all started happening around 3,000 miles (both vibration and slack in their steering wheel at the same time). i told my service manager and dsm, no idea what is going on.

 

I don't actually move the steering wheel that much. I can use one finger and gently move the steering wheel from side to side easily. Almost an inch of travel before the powering steering kicks in and helps(no tension).

 

My steering is extremely direct and responsive. There should be virtually no free play. Either you have a defective rack and pinion unit or your tires are underinflated. Go check your tire pressure to ensure they are 32 psi all around if you have a 5AT or 35 psi with the 6MT. With the recent cold weather, you may be down several pounds which will make the ride cushy and the steering somewhat "vague". Fill the tires up and then report back to us. Good luck.

dsc888

 

Here's a hint, people. You should never turn your wheels when the car is not moving. This puts a great deal of stess on steering components and can lead to a looseness in the steering wheel. Avoid this habit (you'd be amazed at how many people do this).

 

I have NO slack.