1988 GT, 5 speed, 59,000 miles. At highway speeds, the steering has a LITTLE free play (more than my 85 with 110,000 miles). It just feels a little squirelly, like it's right on the "edge" of losing it. Too touchy. Just enough to bother me. I removed the spare and plastic tub. I've checked front suspension and steering rack. Had wife turn wheel back and forth while I looked underneath. Thought it might be inner tie rods, but they are quite firm. Made sure connection was tight between column and steering rack. Can there be too much play between rack and pinion? Is that adjustable? Any ideas, input, or experiences would be helpful

If you don't feel the steering play at low speeds, I'd say your problem is an alignment. The wrong toe-in can do that.

Also check your front bearings. May be time to repack.

I thought the front bearings on 88's were not serviceable?

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...020208-2-013076.html

quote Originally posted by sledcaddie: I thought the front bearings on 88's were not serviceable?

Yup

Can there be "slop" between steering gear and rack? Is there a way to adjust this?

quote Originally posted by sledcaddie: Can there be "slop" between steering gear and rack? Is there a way to adjust this?

You may be able to reset the preload on the pinion - I have an 86, so this may be different on the 88..

On top of the rack, where the input shaft connects, there is a lock ring and hex head, loosen the lock ring and turn the hex head clockwise until it stops - don't force it too hard. Turn back 60 degrees (i.e. 1 face on the hex head) and retighten the lock ring.

Rodney sells a tool for moving the lock ring, though I've had success with a big pair of mole (vise?) grips.

Apologies if this isn't the same for the 88, I'm sure someone will chime in if not!

Edit: Changed 'tighten' to 'turn clockwise'

[This message has been edited by Gandalf (edited 07-01-2015).]

quote Originally posted by sledcaddie: Can there be "slop" between steering gear and rack? Is there a way to adjust this?

Yes there can be, but you should feel that when the car is parked. 59K miles is very low for anything like that to happen.

quote Originally posted by Gall757: Yes there can be, but you should feel that when the car is parked. 59K miles is very low for anything like that to happen.

Yup,,, is low miles for normal rack wear problems.

Isolate the play...
See my Cave, Steering

alignment issues could be toe... Could be other things. Lowered cars often have alignment issues even when alignment is done to OE spec.

If car has rust... Very carefully look at all bushing. Outer shell can rust out.
No rust could have bushing problems. Stick trans and rubber cradle bushing can cause rear steer.
See my Cave, Bushings

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top and bottom of every forum page...)

Thanks, Ogre. Your article about the a-arm bushings makes sense. The rubber IS almost 30 years old. When I replaced them on my 85, I could not believe how smooth the steering is now. I will check these out.