loose steering, rack?

[kc8enb07]

another day, another problem.
my steering has been gettin loose. maybe 1/2" to 1" of turn the wheel b4 it does anything. also it tracks fine, but u can let go and watch the wheel rock around, but car tracks straighter than my moms 06 caravan. looked at the outer tie rods and they are older but still ok shape.

and its only does this once, but i had it feel like i lost all power steering in the middle of turning. was as hard to turn as if it was a truck w/ no PS at a stop. but i was going about 25-30mph. did it once last winter and i blamed it on an air bubble. now im not so sure and worrying me.

please help but im starting to think of converting to a 98 civic

[wed3k]

jack the front end up, slide under and put your hand on the rack an have someone move the steering wheel back and forth, check for play at the rack and then at the tie rods.

i had the same, replaced the rack and it is tight. I actually used to have the steering wheel jerk left to right when i hit a series of quick bumps.

[Losiracer2]

what's the condition of your sway bar endlinks?

[19dabeast85]

Not long ago, I had the bolts on the driver's side of the rack back out allowing it to move side to side significantly. One bolt completely backed out but was caught by the PS line protector cover, the other was barely hanging on. Before replacing anything be sure and check these. I've seen a few other people on the board have the exact same problem. If they're loose, be sure to use blue thread locker when you put them back.

[Accrdwgnguy]

That pinch bolt on the steering column isn't reverse thread, is it?

Edit, NVM just extremely tight