I have a '19 Sierra 2500 that I recently bought, with close to 100k miles. It definitely needs an alignment, the wheel is not centered when driving straight down the road. (But not too far off)

In addition to that, there seems to be a lot of play in the steering. I can turn the wheel back and fourth a couple inches and the truck doesn't actually respond to the inputs, just keeps going straight.

What is causing all of that play in the steering? Am I just expecting too much from a 2500 truck? I know they are not sports cars to begin with. Does this kind of steering play go with the alignment problem? Or is there something else that needs to be fixed/adjusted? Suspension stuff is mostly dark voodoo to me. If something is wrong, I will have a shop fix it for me.

Thanks, everyone!

 

You need front end work. It could be many things such as tie rods, bushings, steering box, etc. Have it checked out!

 

Yeah... I have a little "play" like that in my 1996 C1500 with 203k miles on it, and all original front end parts. In my case I know all the front end bushings and such are shot, and replacing all that stuff is all part of a planned restoration. I wouldn't expect that on a 2019 vehicle with only 100k miles.