Is there any way to tell if the steering box needs replaced? What are some of the signs of a bad steering box?

I had my front end on jacks the other day and it felt like the steering was loose. I grabbed one of the tires and wiggled it side to side and noticed that the whole steering linkage moved as i wiggled it side to side. Should I beable to move it side to side like this or should it be so stiff that I shouldn't beable to move it?

I need help bad guys. I'm experiencing a lot of wandering while driving and it feels loose.

Mark

 

steering boxes never really wear out, but the streering stuff does, if you can move it that much sounds like your tie rods are shot, probley the ball joints too, it happens with age and high miles, sounds like forsure front end rebuild time.

 

steering boxes do wear out, and when they do its exceedingly dangerous. the chances are slim, but it can happen. on my old 77 camro, the box would sporadically lock at various degrees. i waas changing lanes t 90, and it locked...ahhhhhhhhh. turning left at a rather busy stop sign, instant u turn. they lock so hard that you cannot force it to unlock, it does so on its own. if you ever feel that just stop and turn on the hazards, its freakin nuts. but some looseness is expected, as long as both wheels turn in unison. if one jiggles before the other, you got some tie rod or ball joint wear id bet. if it feels sloppy while driving, and pops maybe, you need to replace the tie rods, ball joints, and get good lube job.