Steering wheel play
 

Hello,

I just purchased a 99 Blazer LT 4dr 4x4. I have been bugged by how much play is in the steering wheel before inputs actually take effect. It's like driving a rental from U-Haul. I can move the wheel about 2 inched in both directions before it starts to turn. This becomes very annoying on freeways especially.

Is there a way to fix this issue? I assume a simple alignment is not the answer. AM I looking at a lot of money to get this fixed?

I appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks.

RE: Steering wheel play
 

It could be the rag joint, or the various arms that connect to the wheels for steering that currently, I can't remember what they're called, but I know they've got grease zerks so greasing them might help...

RE: Steering wheel play
 

Could be a lot of things, some expensive - some not. Do your front tires have camber or toe (lean in or outtoward the top of the tire)? That's the easiest place to check to see if it's upper/lower control arms,tie rods, etc. -- or could be your steering box just needs tightening. It's pretty important though and considering what it could be, you should get it checked out sooner rather than later.