My 2000 S-Type 3.0 has too much play in the steering wheel. I replaced the rack and pinion, the front upper and lower control arms, and switched 20" chrome rims (too heavy) with 17" stock rims, and wheel alignment, I can turn the steering wheel about 1.5 inches in either direction before it actually start turning the wheels. This is obviously unsafe. Does anyone know how I can repair this? Thanks

 

Find out where the loss of direct drive is between the steering wheel and the drive to the steering rack.
Could be the splines between the steering wheel and the steering column, or at the other end between the steering column and the steering rack.
If the heavy 20in wheels have been on for any length of time, inducing wear in the steering drive.

 

Thanks for your quick response. Can I buy the splines separately or do I need to replace the entire steering column?

 

BlackJag,
Like I said, You have to confirm where, the slack is.
If it is the top, Then steering wheel and the column,
If the bottom, the the rack and the column, Having changed the rack, then just the Column.
But please confirm where the slack is.

 

Thanks. I will look into it this weekend.