hey all. Im having this problem with my 92 caprice. yesterday I replaced the centerlink but I can still wiggle the wheel by hand. when I took a closer look I realized the pitman arm is movin too. from my knowledge I think the pitman arm shouldnt move when the steering gear is locked. also my steering wheel moves left and right a little while its locked. I think my steering column might be loose or my steering gear is bad. any help is greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

hitman, when u say u can still wiggle the wheel by hand, u r talking about the steering wheel right? u never mentioned if your car has tilt or not. if it does have tilt, and the whole top of the steering column (above the tilt) moves-not just the wheel, then the bolts holding in the pivot ball (inside the column) have become loose. u will need 2 take the column apart to get at the bolts and re-tighten them-not a really hard job, just time involved. u also didn't mention the milage on your car, could be the pitman is worn out, but they usually last a really long time-unless u hit a curb or something.

 

thank for the info. the caprice has 189k and the pitman arm is tight. when I said I can wiggle the wheel I meant both the tires and steering wheel. I replaced all the tie-rods and idler arm but the wheels still can be moved by hand when lifted. I have tilt steering and yes the whole column moves a little.I'll try to tighten the column bolts when my right eye heals...