[Alfonse22]

My '89 spider has developed significant play in the steering. Not so evident when centered, but at full lock, left or right, I have about a 1/4 turn of play. Any suggestions on the likely culprit, steering box, tie rod ends, ???

Thanks.

 

[kcabpilot]

That's normal for a ZF box, doesn't have any affect on handling. When the car is moving and you turn either left or right there is always a centering force on the system so the play doesn't exist. Let go of the wheel and it will rapidly spin to center position so regardless of how fast you turn the wheel in the other direction you won't outpace that force. The only time you will notice it is when the car is not in motion. The closer to center you are the less free play there is, at center there is virtually none.

 

[Alfonse22]

Wow, that's a relief, thanks! It does pretty much as you described, too. Glad to know since the car has only 61,000 miles.