1992 Infiniti Q45 steering handle excessive free play

[Shiro Kawamoto]

My 1992 Infininiti Q45 with 140K mikes mostly driven my wife has recentily found to have excessive free play in steering handle. Free play is 45 to 60 deg as a total. This is not real free play. There is a few paracetic/resistant/drugging friction between steering wheel and front wheel movement. This makes s-curve uneasy. One mechanic said gear box is no good. I can not believe st gear box wear provides this much free play and espcially with paracetic forque. Any one have any thougts or suggestions. I am new member 8/8/06. EX-engine gas development specilist.

[elwesso]

it could be the steering rack bushings.....

Welcome to NICO!!!

[maxnix]

Well Wes is correct that I would suspect your steering rack bushings at this age, especially if they have been replaced.

How about your steering fluid? There is an adjustment for on-center play in the steering box, but should not be attempted by a non-Infiniti experienced technician. Search for Q45tech's post on the subject.

Welcome in. I think you really need to read the timing chain guide article first.