this is the first old car i have owned, but the steering seems to be really loose.there is a lot of play in the sterring wheel but how do you go about fixing this.

Could be the drag or center link is worn. If the car seems to wander on the highway, I'd check that.

thanks. but i really dont know what you are talking about. could you explain a little? sorry.

Look at the attached link under steering linkage. There is a small explaination of the system along with a photo. Even though all your steering components may be worn, the joint where the center link ties to the Pitman arm causes the most problems with wobble on the highway. Normally movement of the Pitman arm, from the steering wheel, is the only movement the wheels see. If the center link joint becomes worn, the road allows movement of that joint and you have to counter-steer because of it. On a Chevelle you can't just change that connection. You have to replace the whole center or drag link.
It's best to change everything in there, center link, idler arm, and inner and outer tie rods, but maybe you can get away with just the center link and idler at the moment.
http://www.autosite.com/garage/subsys/basteerb.asp

As this is your first old car, it might be worth adding that the steering in an old Chevelle (or any old car) will feel much sloppier than in a modern car, even if everything is in good shape. If you have power steering, it will be even more pronounced, as it's not proportional as in newer cars. It will work under the same pressure whether your'e sitting in the driveway or doing 70 mph on the interstate, which may make it feel a bit wiggly if your'e not used to it.

Of course, you really do need to check the steering if you thing that something is loose or worn out. Check out John's link and then get under the car with a prybar. While your'e at it, also look at the brake lines, especially the hoses can deteriorate with time. Better safe than sorry, old cars can really surprise you smile.gif

hey thanks guys. i learn something new everyday about older cars. i will check on the steering and see if i can tell what it is.

For a quick check look at the linkage while somebody moves the steering wheel back and forth. They only have to move it 4-6 inches. Watch the joints, if there is slop replace that joint. Worn center links and idler arms can make the car wander.

If you are not sure of what you are looking at why not find a front end / brake type shop. Someone who knows and works on older cars. The kind of place that does not rely on the computer telling the operater what to do.

You might take a look at the steering doughnut, between the column and steering box, as that is one of the things that wears more quickly than hard parts like ball joints and tie rod ends (provided the joints are regularly lubed). Have just completely rebuilt the suspension, steering, and brakes on my '64 El Camino; can't hardly wait to get it on the road again as soon as I get the engine & tranny back in, re-install the front clip, find a new gas tank........