Steering Issues

[kusumuck]

Hi. I have a 99 GA SE. About 135k on it and the steering is starting to go. I don't know much about the different parts related to the steering so I'm here.

When I was driving straight my steering wheel was cocked to the right. It was like to alignment was fine just the steering was off. But now I have ALOT of play in the steering wheel and I can still be going straight. When I first got the car 4 years ago the steering wheel was very, very, very sensitive to any movement at all. Now I can move the wheel 20degrees side to side without any significant change in tire direction.

Also, when I was driving above 55mph there would be a thup, thup, thup, noise and the whole car would shake. It is doing it still but now it starts around 30-35mph.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot.

[350F]

Probably gonna need some new tie rods. And then get your car realigned.

[kusumuck]

Ok, well that is what I didn't know, what part exactly. I know that there are ways to check ball joints/tie rods but I don't know what tests what.

So you say tie rods. Any other suggestions?

[rixGAphx]

Our car doesn't have 'tie rods'.
It has 'tie rod ENDS': two on each side, that connect the steering rack to the wheel hub.

Your problem certainly *seems* to be bad tie rod ends, but you need to thoroughly check them, and the wheel bearings, the ball joints, and the control arm bushings.

All of these components are EXPECTED to deteriorate, and are therefore replaceable.
All it takes is $$$ :(

With a car this old, your excessive steering play is prolly more than just worn tie rod ends.
Why not take the car to a reputable shop, and get their analysis/estimate?
After you faint and recover, ask what work you can do yourself to make things easier on the wallet.
You'll need to go back to them ultimately for the alignment.

Hope this helps,
-Rick

[HeyDace]

They also have "inner" tie rods, which are serviceable.

You can test for play in the steering linkage and rack by jacking the front of the car up with the wheels unloaded (hanging with no support) and firmly grasping the front and rear of the tire and shaking side to side. To check the inner tie rods you need to pull outward on the tie rod while shaking from side to side, if the play lessens, the inner tierod is bad. Checking for ball joints is just a matter of grasping the upper and lower part of the tire and pulling and pushing.
Or, take it to a shop and have them look at it...

[kusumuck]

ok. thanks a lot for the info. its that $$$ part that is going to be the problem but its gotta be done. thanks again