Steering Wheel Play
 

I do need lower control arm bushings, but am pretty sure that this has no effect on what I'm about to say.

I don't know if this is normal or not...?... When my car is stopped withtthe engine off (or on for that matter) and the steering wheel is not locked, there is about (roughly ) 15 degrees of play before any resistance is felt, the same goes for when the car is on, only the power steering being the resistance (hardly).
Is this normal?

On my car, the wheel can turn slightly without much resistance, however the wheels are still turning at the same amount.

I think its because the wheels can turn ever so slightly without having to skid on the ground, like the tread is flexing a bit before it has to break loose and a little more resistance is felt.

Hi David- aka steering wheel slop

I've had the steering linkage tightented up (inside the steering box & steering wheel centered) on the E320 Coupe twice in the last 40K miles by factory authorized service - - and the results are nothing less than , "as new"

fyi-currently there is negligible play in the steering - if any at all & I've had a lower control arm replaced to maintain the suspension 100% within the last 40K miles as well

let us know what turns out

tks-fad

Should I have the steering linkage tightened when I get new lower control arm bushings and an alignment? How involved is this?

(Need new bushings SOON because car cannot track straight EVER!! Also, the pops have pretty much subsided (all popped out?!), car is squirrelly at higher speeds, and when turning hard and going fast, any blemish in the road makes the steering feel so loose!)

follow John's advice ...and might as well have a reputable independent do a complete inspection (like a detailed PPI inspection) on the car- you have now 100K enthusiastic miles?

suspension, steering, mount items, etc. accept what the road has to offer and are designed to wear

you'll be surprised what a little freshening up & adjusting here and there will do to the overall driving experience

-fad

Steering Damper is new, only about 10k miles old.

I am going to have the dealer do the bushings, because the dealer is about the same price as our independent. I'll have them check it then. Thanks guys.