crazyhorse001 Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 My recently acquired ea81 hatch has a strange issue. The steering wheel feels like its loose on the column. I've checked the wheel nut, its tight. (Unlike the the nut behind it lol) Any ideas what is loose, and am i in danger of losing my steering wheel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twitch de la Brat Posted October 22, 2013 Share Posted October 22, 2013 Check the lower mount and check out the joint in the engine bay. Make sure there's no play in either. If neither of those are your problem, I'd be looking into Tie rods and possibly the steering rack. Twitch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
el_freddo Posted October 23, 2013 Share Posted October 23, 2013 Yeah check the rack is still in nice and tight.Also check to see that the steering column itself is bolted in properly under the dash board.I would say that the issue would most likely be with the rubber disc between the rack and the steering column - might be time for a new one. If you've got power steering you won't have this little rubber disc CheersBennie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyhorse001 Posted October 23, 2013 Author Share Posted October 23, 2013 The column itself doesnt move. The wheel feels like the nut is loose, as all the play is at the very top. There is no play at all when you turn the wheel. It steers perfectly, but the steering wheel wobbles when you push, or pull on one side Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
idosubaru Posted October 23, 2013 Share Posted October 23, 2013 tigthen nut connecting steering wheel to steering column? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MilesFox Posted October 23, 2013 Share Posted October 23, 2013 It could be the joint in the tilt mechanism, inside the steering column. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twitch de la Brat Posted October 23, 2013 Share Posted October 23, 2013 Miles probably nailed it with the tilt mechanism. If that's loose, misaligned or worn out, you'll get some weird movements out of your steering wheel. Good call Fox. Twitch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loyale 2.7 Turbo Posted October 24, 2013 Share Posted October 24, 2013 I had that issue on my EA82 "BumbleBeast" it was a cone shaped ball bearing inside, it has tilt mechanism, but it is another Subie model... Kind regards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyhorse001 Posted October 25, 2013 Author Share Posted October 25, 2013 I had that issue on my EA82 "BumbleBeast" it was a cone shaped ball bearing inside, it has tilt mechanism, but it is another Subie model... Kind regards. This makes sense! Thank you very much. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferox Posted October 25, 2013 Share Posted October 25, 2013 (edited) If that doesn't turn out to be the problem, you could have excessive backlash in the rack which can be adjusted out. Or the adjuster could have backed out or been loosened by a previous owner. Excessive backlash would cause the steering wheel to have a lot of back and forth, but once you turn it far enough it will engage and turn normally. Edited October 25, 2013 by ferox Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gloyale Posted October 26, 2013 Share Posted October 26, 2013 The bearing in the column is probably toast. Seen it several times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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