I own a 2000 Gs300 that ive had for 6 months, and since ive bought it its had lots of play in the steering wheel. At first i could tolerate it but was still extremely dangerous. Its gotten worse overtime and im finally getting around to fixing it. I decided to start with power steering rack bushings which i am about to install in a few minutes, im mainly looking for any other clues as to what it would be if that is not the issue. Thank you!

 

If you’re able to do that without the wheels moving that’s pretty bad. A bad alignment can cause loose steering with play but would be more noticeable when driving, not parked. I’d start with the rack bushings and tie rods. Since the tie rods are basically connecting the rack to the wheels if they are really bad and there’s no grease left in them it would cause loose steering like you have. I would say ball joints and control arms too but those aren’t known to cause loose steering when parked, they would be noticeable when driving though. Get your rack bushings and tie rods done with a good alignment to start.

 

I just realized I have a brand new set of moog tie rods purchased from rock auto a few weeks ago. I thought I was going to need them to fix my alignment issue but I didn’t. I was keeping them as backup since it doesn’t make sense to lose money sending them back since they’re so cheap. If you want to buy them let me know. Brand new with receipt from rock auto. Inner and outer.

 

That helps alot, I havent had the chance to do the bushings yet but i do have them with me, if it does not fix the issue i may take you up on those tie rods. Will keep you posted ! 👍

 

i would imagine your bushings would have to be really shot to cause that much play. Changing mine helped a lot but I’d be surprised if that’s your only issue with that much play. Look at mine before and after. You can see how flat the old ones were which causes the play

 

Yeah I put in poly bushings and they didn't do much. 100% you have bad tie rods or something else extremely loose. That sounds dangerous

 

Definitely tie rods. my brother hit a deer yesterday so i didnt get to take a look but i just jacked the car up and had my lady wiggle the wheel side to side. tie rod end moves like crazy on both sides, steering rack doesnt move much but has a little shake.

 

these are my tie rods

 

video didnt post last time

 

I knew it had to be the tie rods! When they start clicking is when you want to change them right away