Play / slop in steering FIXED!!!

[AZTahoe1998]

1998 Chevrolet Tahoe LT 4X4

I wanted to post about my adventures in fixing my steering issue. I had excessive play in the steering. I replaced the pitman arm, steering box, and some other linkages under the car. There was still an issue with the steering wheel (to the right only).

So after much searching I finally figured it out (after spending some $$$). It turns out that the intermediate steering joint/rag joint was the culprit. It was a whopping $20 dollar auto part store fix. I did have to drill out the rivets and install new bolts for the rag joint. After this repair I had no play at all .

I hope this helps anyone else that has some play after changing out half of their suspension (or before).

 

[Oldyukon95]

I am doing the same thing. I replaced the rubber piece but I think I lost a piece because the top of the shaft is missing a hole for a bolt to go through. I ended up ordering a new shaft. Sucks but hopefully I will get the same result as you.

 

[AZTahoe1998]

I am doing the same thing. I replaced the rubber piece but I think I lost a piece because the top of the shaft is missing a hole for a bolt to go through. I ended up ordering a new shaft. Sucks but hopefully I will get the same result as you.

I had to drill out the rivits and buy bolts to replace them with the joint. I don't recall there being anything needing to be bolted. Since it was a self contained unit replacing it is probably best. I am satisfied with my fix but it's not as good as a new unit. Let me know how it works out .

 

[Oldyukon95]

Ok so I replaced the shaft with the DormaN shaft and it works great! The hole I was looking for is on the opposite side of the shaft as the rag joint. It connects to the upper shaft by the fire wall. I found the hole it was coves by a plastic sleeve That I had to tap down with a punch. Stupid really I should have been able to re use the old shaft but I messed it up. Anyways the Dorman shaft wormed perfect.