Steering Slop only when warm

[Way2Fst4U]

For the first 10 mins or so, my 04 steers like it’s brand new. Super tight steering. After that 10 mins, something starts to loosen up and then I have about 1/2” of play in the wheel after that. If I let it sit for a few hours, the play is gone, and it starts over again. Has anyone had this issue? Where would I start to look?

Thanks!

 

[mindgame]

sound like you have a bubble somewhere...

Try jacking the front end up on stands, when slop occurs..

The crank the steering all the way to the left. Leave it there for 15seconds so it is able to totally flush out. Slowly turn the wheel to the right until you reach the other end and let it flush out.

Hopefully, this is all that needs to be done.

If this still happens.. You may need to replace the power steering reservoir, as it maybe introducing excess bubbles in there..

 

[metaldrgn]

If you can have someone help you and check the linkages from your steering wheel down to your steering box to see if any of that has excessive play when it's warm. keep the car off and the key in the off position (not locked) and move it from side to side (not actually moving the tires) and see how much play there is.

is it pitman arm or rack and pinion steering? There is a way to adjust a pitman arm even though I've never done it and it may just be better to replace. Rack and pinion just has to be replaced.

Could be balljoints too