My steering column is sloppy - Diesel Forum

**midwestconnection** · 11-15-2009, 10:31 PM

I bought my 1996 E350 and it was this way.

The steering wheel is sloppy and moves in every direction about a half an inch.

The tilt wheel function doesn't seem to make any difference.

Is it OK to drive like this, I have been driving it continuously as I work on the servicing and cooling system and everything else.

It seems normal when I'm driving except when I try to move it around and it moves lots more than it should.

Anybody else have this problem?

**txevt** · 11-16-2009, 04:29 AM

sounds like the bearings in the column are gone. there are 3 of them and the column has to be out of the van to replace them.

**midwestconnection** · 11-16-2009, 07:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by txevt

sounds like the bearings in the column are gone. there are 3 of them and the column has to be out of the van to replace them.

Is it OK to drive it this way if I don't stress it by turning it while it's not moving and just in general baby the steering wheel.

Premier Kirby · 11-16-2009, 08:48 AM

im sure its fine. I have owned many vehicles like that matter of fact Ive had ones that moved 2 inches of play in it.

as long as your sure its not front end stuff

**midwestconnection** · 11-16-2009, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Premier Kirby

im sure its fine. I have owned many vehicles like that matter of fact Ive had ones that moved 2 inches of play in it.

as long as your sure its not front end stuff

Good to hear, thanks.