Loose steering 1955 Cadillac

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Recently I had my 55 CDV out for a cruise.  I noticed at times that the steering seemed somewhat sloppy and there was noticeable play (about several inches worth).  I don't drive the car very often and she sits quite a bit.  Is this a simple adjustment or should I start sourcing new components for the front end?

[Dave Shepherd]

Start with checking all the steering linkage for excess play. Also check the gear box for input/
output play, engine running wheels straight ahead. The pitman arm movement should be close to the input from the steering wheel, 2 man job of course.

[fishnjim]

Check the "rag joint" also.  They get old and tear.   Located on the steering column above the steering gear.  Check fluid levle in the PS reservoir too.
If it's low and bubbles get in it, it won't work right.

[wheikkila]

I would get the rag joint for sure. Most people and shops don't think to replace them.
             Thanks Wayne

[James Landi]

CAREFUL: It could be a bad wheel bearing... IF not regularly serviced ( wheel bearing cleaned and re-greased), old grease no longer lubricates, and the bearing seizes and starts eating through  front wheel axles-- on these models, you're likely not hearing the grinding.  Get that front end up in the air and grab each front tire and yank--- you may discover that an entire wheel and tire seem to be loosing up, whether you pull horizonally or vertically--- that's a tell tale of a soon to occur catastropic failure. SImply add my concern with a list of the above.... and include the idler and pitman arms... in ANY CASE, your next outing needs to be to a front end specialist. Don't ignore this.   Hope this helps,  James 

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Thank you everyone.  Theres a GM specialist in town that I trust.  I'll take her over there ASAP and see what he says.  Could be that the bearings need work.