Brian,

My car has the same problem. The steering play is tight (which is what it should be) when wheels are straight. But when the wheels are pointing either left or right, there is excessive steering play. I check this play when the car is stationary.

I wonder if the steering play has something to do with the tires. My front tires are a little worn on the outer edge.

Were you able to find a solution?

Where is the steering box? Steering box hasn't been touched

for 38.6K miles now.

RV
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1992 300 TE Wagon (W124) 113.6K miles