The allowable steering wheel play can be in which directions?

• A. Left only
• B. Right only
• C. Neither direction
• D. Either direction

Answer: (D)

Free steering wheel play is the amount of wheel rotation you can have before the steering linkage begins to move the wheels. That play isn’t limited to one side—the system should respond within the same small tolerance whether you turn left or right. In practice, you check by turning the wheel in both directions to feel for any looseness; if the play stays within the specified limits in either direction, it’s considered acceptable. If you notice unusually more play in one direction or more than the allowed amount, that points to wear or looseness in the steering components that needs inspection. So the allowable steering wheel play can be in either direction, as long as it remains within the prescribed tolerance.