I purchased a car on eBay. It's in New York and I live in New Hampshire, so I'd be going to pick it up and driving it back to New Hampshire which is a 9 hour drive. The previous owner of the vehicle says the steering column is loose but he's pretty sure it could make it back to New Hampshire. Has anyone driven a vehicle with a loose steering column? I don't imagine it's safe, but just how unsafe would this be? Is it even possible to drive a vehicle in this condition? I won't bother driving all the way out there to get the car if it won't make it back is too unsafe to risk the trip. Thanks for any help!
2006-12-31 07:07:03 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
Any steering problem makes a vehicle unsafe to drive. Either get it fixed, trailer or tow it back, or back out of the deal. You could cause a serious accident.
2006-12-31 09:36:12 · answer #1 · answered by oklatom 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You didn't want to mention the brand of car, or whether it was a tilt wheel for some reason, so I will endeavor to assist blindly. Most frequently a loose column is a result of the tilt mechanism starting to come apart. Its very common, but not very easy to repair if you haven't done it before and don't have the 2 special tools. (at least on GM columns) As far as being safe to drive, the clock is running. The column will eventually work itself apart and must be re-tightened as soon as possible. If there is just a little wiggle to the wheel now, it can still be driven. The car will become undriveable once there is enough play to start tripping the turn signals, at that point, you can swivel the steering wheel around in a big circle. and it may be too late to save the column. If the 4 bolts work all the way out, they may fall to the floor and be recovered, or get lost in the column. Looking at about 2 hours to fix this, so if its only a little loose now, you're ok.
2006-12-31 08:36:06 · answer #2 · answered by Hambone 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You have to find out what is really loose. If it is just the bolts that hold the column in place, this is an easy fix and reasonabley safe. If it is the bearings that support the steering shaft, then it is a little more intense to repair, but still safe to drive. BUT, if it is a ball joint or idle arm that is in need of repair or replacement, then you are looking at an unsafe vehicle that would be better towed. When you pick this vehicle up, take it to a mechanic and have it looked at. If it is unsafe, then rent a truck and trailer, or just a trailer if you have a truck, and tow this vehicle home to be repaired.
2006-12-31 07:32:09 · answer #3 · answered by rex_rrracefab 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have owned 2 vehicles over the years with bad steering gear boxes. In other words, there was a lot of play in the steering.
I was familiar with both vehicles, and would drive them around my end of town--but I would NEVER attempt to drive an unfamiliar vehicle with this problem that distance. Have it trailered.
M
2006-12-31 07:31:49 · answer #4 · answered by maamu 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it's much safer and alot less hassle to just trailer the car home and then see what the problem is. if the problem is in the tie-rods or ball joints, they could go at will...and if they do when ur at interstate speeds, ur in big trouble.
if it's just a little slop in the wheel, it'll be driveable, but make dam sure the ball joints and tie rod's are good before committing to driving it home. when in doubt, trailer it out.
2006-12-31 13:27:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't say for sure about ford but GM's can lock up the steering or pull the shifter into park on a left turn.
2016-05-23 00:08:02 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it could be a tierod end or a rag joint, either way, if it breaks you are in deep trouble :(
2006-12-31 09:35:50 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋