ASE G1 Auto Maintenance and Light RepairSuspension and SteeringMedium
A technician is performing a steering system inspection. They observe that there is excessive free play in the steering wheel, but no looseness is found in the tie rod ends, ball joints, or wheel bearings. The vehicle has a conventional recirculating ball steering gear. What is the MOST likely cause of this excessive steering wheel free play?
- AAn improperly adjusted steering gearbox
- BA broken steering wheel clock spring
- CA collapsed steering column bearing
- DA worn power steering pump
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. An improperly adjusted steering gearbox
In a recirculating ball steering gear, excessive free play in the steering wheel, without looseness in other steering components, often points to an issue within the gearbox itself. This can be due to wear or an improper adjustment of the sector shaft or worm gear preload, which can be corrected by adjusting the gearbox.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A broken steering wheel clock spring affects electrical connections (airbag, horn) but does not cause mechanical free play in the steering.
- C. A collapsed steering column bearing would likely cause binding or noise in the steering column, not just free play.
- D. A worn power steering pump would primarily affect steering effort, not free play.
Recirculating Ball Steering Gear Play
Excessive free play in the steering wheel of a vehicle with a recirculating ball steering gear, when other components are sound, often indicates internal wear or improper adjustment of the steering gearbox itself.
- Common in older trucks/SUVs.
- Internal wear or adjustment issues.
- Causes excessive steering wheel play.
Memory trick: Loose steering wheel, no other faults, means the 'gear' itself is out of sorts.