Hello guys, I'm a newbie to the forum. I just picked up a 85 GT 5sp.. there is alot of play in the steering, I can turn the steering wheel more then a 1/4 of the way around before the tires start to react, and thats both ways from dead center. What could it be? The tie rods are good I checked them.

Welcome aboard!

84 - 87 steering racks are all the same (88 is similar)
You could try adjusting the preload on the rack bearing.
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[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 02-02-2021).]

I will try that! Thank you

If once it starts moving, it's tight, then I would guess it is a worn section in the middle of the rack. The center of the rack gets beat up the most. If it's loose the entire time even after it starts moving, then it could be a number of things and the tightening suggestion above is a good place to start.

If it is tight once it starts moving and you tighten that adjuster, you'll then find that its fine when the wheel is straight but extremely hard to turn the wheel once you get past that worn section. You'd want a steering unit if that's the case.

[This message has been edited by reinhart (edited 02-03-2021).]

yes once the tires respond its feels normal.

Before you adjust anything...
See my Cave, Steering
to figure out what is the problem.

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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

You can also check the steering column and intermediate shaft U-joints for looseness.
Stick a screwdriver through a U-joint and turn the steering wheel to see if there's any play.
One is under the dash, the other at the rack pinion shaft.

[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 02-04-2021).]

quote Originally posted by fierosound: You could try adjusting the preload on the rack bearing.

I'll just mention this for anyone who's never previously done this adjustment... it's a lot easier to do with the spare tire "tub" temporarily removed.