steering noise/issue

[Johnny5]

I am experiencing some sloppyness in my steering right at top center of the wheel. It feels as if it has a few inches of play (not responsive enough, my 1994 LT1 was definitely more responsive hence why i think something is worn) and it is more noticeable at higher speeds. Also i turned the wheel back and forth with the car off and something is making a knock noise. My brother thinks it may be a worn steering box. Anyone have any experience or advice with these symptoms?

[We Gone]

You may want to check the steering rod coupling and tie rod ends. You have rack and pinion steering (no steering box) and yes it can ware out.

[Johnny5]

Thanks, how would i go about checking that to see what to replace?

[We Gone]

Have a buddy move the steering wheel while you check for whats lose or where the play is. Do it with and with out the car running. Jack up each wheel and check for play.

[lbszr]

If it turns out to be the rack and pinion, turnone-steering.com seems to have a good reputation for rebuilding. I found a rebuilt on at rock auto without a core. I'll be sending my original to turnone.

If I rock the steering wheel with it not running, mine has a knock from in the rack with the old and rebuilt, but the play is gone.

[Johnny5]

maybe the knock is normal for this rack and pinion but I am almost certain the play is not. The response should definitely be sharper than what I am experiencing. I have to check everything out/jack up the front 2 wheels when I have time.

Is the steering in our ZR1s any different than the base C4? and is rebuilding our rack and pinions the only option? (no new offered?)

Turn-one steering looks great but I am in NJ. If I have to pay to rebuild the system Id rather just bring the car somewhere in NJ instead of taking everything apart and paying for shipping twice. Does anyone know of good shops in or around NJ?

[batchman]

Humbly suggest it will probably be easier to spot the play with some load on the tires, in other words try checking before jacking it up.

Good luck,
- Jeff

[Johnny5]

Where can i buy a rag joint "hockey puck" version that the Z51 had? Anyone have part nimber for zr1 rag joint and the faster z51 rag joint "hockey puck" Is it direct replacement? And hiw hard is it to change? Other members claim there car always had some slop or lack of responsiveness in the steering but I'm hoping I find play in this joint so I can get better steering response.

[Johnny5]

I spoke to Marc Heibeck and he recommended checking the bolt that holds the rack and pinion together under the power steering pump first. He also said the pop sound is normal when you turn the wheel. I will update you later this week. If that is not it I will check that rag joint (although marc says they rarely go bad), and so on...

[Johnny5]

I think that is just the way these cars were made. I did not see any play when checking it with my brother/father and the everything looks to be in good shape. I heard people saying that is normal so young kids dont fly off the road at 175. I am going to drive a members car to be sure and see if it feels the same. I guess i am just kind of anal and want this thing to be running perfect.