I’m having trouble diagnosing my steering column looseness in my 2001 car.

Essentially, the steering wheel moves freely in and out of the telescoping axis. The knobs on the side don’t initiate a motor-sound.

Steering is fine - handles as expected otherwise. A little vibration happens around the 65mph range. I believe that’s just telling me it needs a front wheel alignment.

The in and out movement is concerning. I can keep it in place with my hands out but if I readjust myself in my seat and pull the wheel, it moves and I’d rather it just stay put.

Anybody ever face something similar to this? I’m wondering if the whole steering column needs to be replaced or if there is a few things I could look out for if I pop open the cover. Seems mostly accessible to diagnose but I don’t feel as confident of a full column swap out is necessary.

 

I haven't experienced this myself but a while back I had to remove one of the motors to get access to the AC controller. While researching this task I came across a few comments about the rack that the motor operates to move the column in each axis. The racks are a nylon material which can fail. It sounds like at least one of the motor racks has worn to a point where it no longer provides positive retention.

Probably the best advice is to remove the knee bolster under the steering wheel and observe what happens to the column when you pull on it in each direction. If it moves under pressure the problem is likely to be the racks and or motors. I believe parts are still available from the usual breakers like AutoReserve in the UK. I'm not sure about the availability of new parts. Good luck with your search for the problem.