Timbo Posted September 19, 2015 Share Posted September 19, 2015 (edited) This really more of an annoyance than an issue, though I suppose it could eventually turn into a problem. It's been a year since I noticed it and it hasn't worsened. I've got some free-play/slop in the steering wheel of my 2010 Transit Connect. Measured at the rim I get 3/4 of an inch. This is not the sort of free play that would suggest a problem with the tie-rod ends, but an actual free movement of the steering wheel that has zero effect on changing the direction of travel. The engine doesn't have to be running. It is a free movement of the wheel resulting in no physical contact between the teeth on the rack and the pinion gear, or somewhere in-between. I bought the van used from the "Ford Store" in Morgan Hill, Ca. and one of the things listed replaced was the steering system, though they couldn't tell me why (Hmmm). Does anyone else have this issue? I've never tried turning the wheel on another TC. Maybe the all do this. Edited September 19, 2015 by Timbo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timbo Posted December 3, 2015 Author Share Posted December 3, 2015 I guess I'm the only then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrtn Posted December 3, 2015 Share Posted December 3, 2015 Just checked mine for you. No play at all. I can feel the resistance both ways. Timbo 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timbo Posted September 17, 2017 Author Share Posted September 17, 2017 I found the problem. There's a single bolt at the base of the steering shaft, hidden behind a white, plastic shield, that was loose, just as I expected. Not wanting to drop the rack and pinion system just to tighten the single bolt, I drilled a hole in the shield just large enough to get a socket on an extension through, and tighten the bolt. mrtn and G B L 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
G B L Posted September 18, 2017 Share Posted September 18, 2017 That's great Thanks for the follow up!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zepper Posted January 27, 2018 Share Posted January 27, 2018 Hi, I just replaced my steering pump and rack myself. Put it back together and I now have steering play like you describe. Everything from the intermediate shaft down is tight. I'll have to start checking above. I can see where something would come loose when wrestling out the rack. Where is this white colored guard you speak of? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zepper Posted January 28, 2018 Share Posted January 28, 2018 Wife checked it and said it's always been that way. Maybe I never noticed it until I was looking for something? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timbo Posted January 28, 2018 Author Share Posted January 28, 2018 The white, plastic piece is between the firewall and the steering box/rack. You can see it if you look under the hood, but it takes a bit of looking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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