I installed the AGX/Sprint combo back in the first week of June myself (if that has any relevance), had it aligned a week later, and had no problems until two weeks ago.

The steering wheel is very loose in turns and has no center point anymore. To better explain that, the steering wheel can be even (say even is horizontal or 0 degrees) going into a turn and be recentered anywhere from 20-30 degrees coming out of the turn. It never gets any worse that about 30 degrees from the original point but it does this in turns of both directions. I need to turn the wheel significantly more to get response in general driving now too.

Anyone know what could be wrong? I can try and provide more info if needed, maybe even a video clip, but not till later tonight or tomorrow morning. Thanks.

 

Loose Tie Rod ends (most likely)
Loose steering wheel to rack joints (happened to Lime)
Loose control arm ball joints (not so likely but possible)
Worn out Rack and pinion gears (you'll need a new rack if thats the case)

 

Is there anything that I can look for visual signs of wear? The others are obvious.

 

Look at where the steering wheel is linked to the rack and pinion. There's a universal type joint there.

 

How much should i expect to be charged by a shop for those repairs? By the sounds of it, its over my head so i'll let them take care of it.

If its the tie rods shouldn't you be able to shake your tire back and forth? My tires don't budge a bit when i try to shake them.

As for the rest, I don't understand exactly how everything comes together in steering assemblies. Could you give me a general direction in where to look to check for wear and what the wear even looks like?

Thanks.

 

I just got my inner/outer tie rods replaced and a ball joint. Paid about $230 for parts and labor was $100 for the balljoint and alignment only. Installed the tie rods myself...