I have just recently experienced my steering wheel becoming loose in the past couple of days. Wondering if there is anyone out there with a similiar problem and if it is a defect common to the 04XC 90.

 

Have you taken care of the tie-rod end ball joint recall yet?

http://www.autobuyguide.com/2004/12-...lls/index.html

If not for the tie-rod ball joint, there may be a problem within the power assist system. At what RPM is it loose? Is it loose when the RPM is at idle, or at higher speeds? Any trouble steering the vehicle?


JPN

 

Did the steering wheel come loose or does the steering system feel loose?
I have seen the control arm bushings go bad and cause a pull while accelerating and then when you let off the gas it goes straight again.

 

Yes, the recall had been taken care of in the past, last year actually. The steering wheel itself is loose, not the steering of the vehicle. It feels as though there is a nut or something that has become loose behind the air bag compartment. Any ideas, there are a couple of star screws on the bottom side of the steering collumn, do you know if they tighten anything to do with this issue. It is going into the shop next Friday, I would like to have an idea of what the problem may be just so I am prepared for the bill. $98 to diagnose the problem and then who knows.

 

I would look at 2 things.
1.Remove the lower dash panel if needed. Look at the floor board under the dash where the steering column goes through. See if the attachment point came loose.

2.If it were me I would remove the air bag and check the nut/bolt holding the steering wheel on.

I think those screws you see are for the column cover.