quick question.  I have some slop in my steering.  its between the bottom knuckle at the firewall and the steering wheel.  the wheel is not the prob or the knuckle.  is there something else inside the column. like anouther knuckle. or ??  this is back and forth movement in the steering.   about a half inch. 
  thanks

quick question.  I have some slop in my steering.  its between the bottom knuckle at the firewall and the steering wheel.  the wheel is not the prob or the knuckle.  is there something else inside the column. like anouther knuckle. or ??  this is back and forth movement in the steering.   about a half inch. 
  thanks

The only slop that might exist could be caused by a loose steering wheel nut.

If you have a TracKick with an airbag, removing the airbag might be a bit of a dicey operation.  Otherwise, pop the horn button and check out the wheel nut situation.

Naturally, if the wheel nut is on securely it's the nut behind the wheel that giving you the problem.. 


Most often, this sort of slop comes from the steering gearbox, any u-joins or ragjoints.

sorry its a samurai.  I can hang onto the u joint knuckle at the firewall and wiggle my steering wheel.  the steering wheel nut isn't loose.  acts like there is a splined shaft in the column??  anyone know if there is something hide in there ?  this is driving me nuts!!   

As far as I know, the shaft is solid from the outside of the firewall to the steering wheel.

you can remove the steering wheel by making a simple steel plate with two holes in it that matches the two thraded holes near the center of the steering wheel.  Remove the steering wheel nut and thread 2 metric bolts (I think they are 12mm)through the plate into the holes.  The plate will press against the end of the steering shaft.   Alternate the tightening until the steering wheel pops off.  With the steering wheel off, you can inspect the shaft easier.