Find out where the wear is in the steering linkage. Idler arm and tie rod ends most likely.
yes
start by checking your front end for wear in the tierods and all other linkage. the I would suspect your steering box is shot.
how do you fix play in a 1997 mercury mountainer steering wheel
It could be that your tierods are completely gone or the play is in the steering box .I have heard that there is a adjusting screw on the steering box to help with the play , but not sure .
If the steering wheel is loose while driving the steering rack may be going bad. A bad steering rack leads to a lot of play on the actual wheel.
You will have alot of play in the steering wheel.
Worn steering parts. Can be many things. Have your steering components inspected.
loose nuts
You can adjust the steering box some. Or possible ball joint problems. If the problem is lurches and surges in the steering (can feel like loose idler arm, loose ball joints, etc.), one common cause is a faulty steering position sensor. This $60 sensor at the base of the steering column (inside the vehicle) tells the variable assist power steering how fast you are turning the steering wheel.
A worn out power steering pump, or steering box.
it is best not to have any play in your steering, and its best not to have no more than an inch of play in your steering, but if I was you I would check your inner and outer tie rod ends. power steering just makes turning your wheels easier....it doesn't contribute in steering wheel play!! you shouldn't have no more than an inch of play in your steering.....it is best not to have any play in your steering. check your inner and outer tie rod ends.
It is the distance of movement that you can turn your steering wheel without it actually turning your tires. "My first car had a lot of play in the steering."