If steering wheel play is 12 degrees, what must be done?

• A. Operate with caution until next service
• B. Cycle the ignition
• C. Adjust steering wheel to reduce play without diagnosis
• D. Inspect linkage and components; repair as needed

Answer: (D)

Excessive steering wheel play signals a potential safety defect in the steering system. When the wheel has 12 degrees of free play, there is noticeable looseness between the steering input and the actual movement of the wheels, which can delay or misdirect your response to hazards. The correct response is to inspect the steering linkage and all related components and repair as needed. This approach identifies the actual worn or damaged parts—such as tie-rod ends, pitman arm, drag link, idler arm, steering box or rack, mounting hardware, or power‑steering connections—and corrects the root cause before operating.

Simply operating with caution, cycling the ignition, or turning the wheel to reduce play without diagnosis would not address the underlying issue and could compromise control.