Pinpoint Test C: Excessive Steering Wheel Play

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Mercury Grand Marquis and 2009 Ford Crown Victoria. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

This pinpoint test is intended to diagnose the following:

Steering column bearings
Steering linkage
Suspension components

PINPOINT TEST C: EXCESSIVE STEERING WHEEL PLAY

C1 CHECK THE STEERING COLUMN BEARINGS
- Inspect the steering column mounting fasteners and bearings for looseness.
- Are the fasteners and bearings OK?
1. YES : Go to C2.
2. NO : TIGHTEN the steering column mounting fasteners or INSTALL a new steering column. REFER to STEERING COLUMN article.
C2 CHECK THE STEERING LINKAGE FOR LOOSENESS
- Carry out the Steering Linkage under Component Tests .
- Is the steering linkage OK?
1. YES : INSPECT the suspension components. REFER to SUSPENSION SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article for the suspension diagnosis and testing.
2. NO : INSTALL new steering linkage components as necessary. Refer to the appropriate STEERING SYSTEM article for the procedure.