I was looking at center links, and tie rods to see if they might be the cause of the car wandering all over the road... They seem to be snug, but there might be a tiny bit of play in the ____ (what is that pivot point that has a bolt and rubber bushing on it called) Not much mind you, But I would like to know another way to test it for wear before ordering a rebuild kit for it. Any ideas?
Oh also I adjusted the steering box about 20,000 ago. which at the time worked like a charm. but I am hoping that it may be something else.... Otherwise is the steering box wearing out? Also replaced the idler arms, and lower control arm bushings last year, so is it the ___ (rubber bushing thing) or steering box my only two options? The other thing I have noticed is that there is about 1" of play in the steering wheel, That does not seem too much does it? (not looking for perfection, but as it is the car is not much fun to drive)
Jason

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46 WDX Power Wagon

84 300TDT daily driver

An inch of play in the steering would not necessarily be the problem, but that would be the easiest place to start. Have someone move the steering wheel side to side just taking up the play. Look under the car and see what is or isn't moving. This would be even better if the front tires were off the ground, but you can determine how much play is in the steering box with the tires on the ground at look at the steering box from the bottom as the steering wheel is moved. Try to adjust some of the play out, if nothing moves when the steering wheel is moved. I just did this, or tried to. The allen bolt on top of the steering box was turning inward (clockwise), using a 19mm open end to free the lock nut. That made things worse, so I went the other way, all the outward (ccw) until it seemed to stop abrubtly. Tightened the locknut and now I have about an inch of play, which is better than it was. Guess the steering box is worn enough so even when it is all the way adjusted there is still more than desired amount of play. As for replacing parts, If it was me I would be sure one way or the other before spending money, but in my case there is much future spending already confirmed.

I guess Iwill put a new.... Idler arm pivot rebuild kit in it, as that seems to have the 'most' play in it. Then it will be to readjust the steering box... the wheel bearings, and tie rods are good, as well as the upper control arms and lower control arm bushings.. Could a loose Guide Rod Mount cause the car to wander? I would think that could be the case when the brakes are being used, but not while crusing on the interstate.

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46 WDX Power Wagon

84 300TDT daily driver