steering question

[totaleclipse]

hey guys, felt for a while now that the cars a bit "grumbly" when steering on my 1997 2.1TD estate.

the powersteering side of things seems to be perfect, and when i checked over the front steering / suspension components with my trusty lever i found the only part with any play at all seems to be the track rods (not the ends, but the inner side) but there is only maybe 2mm of play, and its equal from both sides.

is this a normal amount of play for these cars, or could i have a worn steering rack?

[mjb]

Sure that's not just the play allowed by the steering lock?

[totaleclipse]

Sure that's not just the play allowed by the steering lock?

no, deffo not that.

with the wheels set straight, leave the keys in the ignition i jack up the car, slip my head underneath, and give the wheel a tug from side to side, up and down etc etc, no play at all up and down, but from side to side theres at least 2mm of movement in the stearing arm before i feel the resistance from the rack, and its the same on both sides.

[jasper5]

Not sure what you mean by "grumbly" but a worn universal joint at the bottom of the column would make the steering feel rough.A worn power steering pump, loose power steering belt, or low fluid level would make for rough feeling in the steering.

You are allowed a little play in the inner track rod ball joints for mot purposes, but it's down to the tester to judge what is excessive play.
This play is very common in Vauxhall cars, but doesn't give any "grumbly" feeling, in fact, unless the play was serious you wouldn't notice it.