Wheel alignment

[Larry 1300]

Hi my wife took my car, Dolomite 1300, to National tyre's to have the wheel alignment done.
They phoned her to say that they can't do it because there is too much play in the steering wheel. He said he can turn the steering wheel 2 inches and the wheels don't move. Any tips please? Thanks

[Carledo]

Probably 2 things working in concert to get THAT much play at the wheel! Mot spec is no more than 1/2" at the wheel rim.

My guess would be most is in the lower column coupling (if it's the original FAM1718 design) with a side order of steering rack mount bushes.

I'm guessing the tyre shop would have informed you if the track rod ends were duff, i'm only half surprised they didn't quote you £500 to fix it!

There's loads of posts on here about what to do about the lower column coupling (and almost as many different opinions) and the fact that aftermarket copies of the FAM1718 are made of cheese and not fit for purpose. If you don't want to go whole hog and fit solid rack mounts, I strongly advise poly bushing here, for longer life and better rack location.

Steve

[TrustNo1]

have a play yourself to find the play starting first off in making sure that the adjustable steering column is tight (if you have one) as i've kown people to mistake that for too much play.
its unlikley to be the upper bush so check the bulkhead bush, the UJs at end of column and the rack mounts as well as the subframe mounts.
then check the trackrod ends and ball joints.

*edited to add that I hadn't seen steves reply before typing all that *