1992-1993 Sidekick & Tracker Steering Column: Diagnosing Looseness and Play

Symptoms of a Failing Steering Column

Problems with the steering column in a 1992-1993 Sidekick or Tracker are typically related to mechanical wear. Listen and feel for these signs during your drive.

1. Excessive Steering Wheel Play or Looseness

This is the most common complaint. You might turn the steering wheel an inch or more before the wheels begin to respond. While this feels like a column issue, it's often caused by wear in other parts of the steering system. The play from worn tie rod ends, ball joints, an idler arm, or the steering gearbox itself all adds up at the steering wheel. Worn universal joints (U-joints) in the steering shaft that connects the column to the gearbox can also be a major contributor.

2. Binding, Sticking, or Grinding Noises When Turning

A steering wheel that doesn't turn smoothly or makes grinding or popping sounds points to a mechanical problem. This could be caused by failing U-joints on the steering shaft or, less commonly, worn bearings inside the column itself. A squeaking noise can sometimes be traced to the plastic shrouds rubbing or a dry bearing at the top of the column.

3. Tilt-Steering Mechanism Failure

If your vehicle has a tilt-steering option, the mechanism can fail. The steering wheel may no longer lock firmly into position, or it might become very difficult to adjust. This is usually due to wear in the locking pawls or lever inside the column assembly.

4. Ignition Switch and Lock Cylinder Problems

Since the ignition system is housed in the column, related problems are common. You might find the key is hard to turn, gets stuck, or won't engage the starter. The steering wheel lock, which prevents the wheel from turning without the key, can also fail to engage or disengage. This is often a problem with the lock cylinder or the electrical switch connected to it, rather than the entire column.

Diagnosing Steering System Looseness

Before blaming the steering column, a full system inspection is necessary. Most steering play on these vehicles is cumulative, coming from multiple worn parts.

1. Check the Steering Gearbox: Have a helper rock the steering wheel back and forth (within the range of the play) while you observe the steering gearbox under the hood. If you see the input shaft from the column turning but the output shaft (connected to the pitman arm) is delayed, there is play inside the gearbox. A minor adjustment can sometimes be made via a screw on top of the box, but do not overtighten it, as this can cause binding and accelerated wear.
2. Inspect Steering Linkages: With the front of the vehicle safely on jack stands, grab each front wheel at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions and shake it. Watch for play in the outer and inner tie rod ends. Any visible looseness means the part is worn and contributing to the problem.
3. Examine the Steering Shaft U-Joints: Look at the shaft that runs from the firewall down to the steering gearbox. Have your helper turn the wheel. If you see the upper part of the shaft turning before the lower part, the U-joint is worn.
4. Inspect the Column Itself: Grab the steering wheel and try to move it up, down, and side-to-side without turning it. If there is significant movement, the internal bearings or the tilt mechanism may be worn.

Buying a Used 1992-1993 Sidekick Steering Column

New OEM and aftermarket steering columns for this vehicle are generally unavailable, making a quality used OEM part the best and most practical option. Here’s what to look for.

Inspection Checklist:

• Check for Shaft Play: Hold the column and try to wiggle the main steering shaft. There should be no significant up-and-down or side-to-side movement, which would indicate bad internal bearings.
• Test the Tilt Mechanism: If it's a tilt column, operate the lever. It should move smoothly and lock the column securely in each position without any slop.
• Inspect the Ignition Housing: Look for cracks or damage around the ignition lock cylinder housing. Ensure it comes with a matching key if the lock cylinder is included.
• Examine Electrical Connectors: Check all wiring and plastic connectors. They should be free of corrosion, and the plastic should not be brittle or cracked.
• Verify Compatibility: The most important step. Confirm that the used column is from a vehicle with the same features as yours. The main variations are:
  • Tilt vs. Non-Tilt Steering
  • Manual vs. Automatic Transmission (columns for automatics may have shifter interlock mechanisms)

Known Issues, Recalls, and TSBs

There are no active or historical recalls or Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from the NHTSA specifically for the steering column or steering shaft on 1992-1993 Suzuki Sidekicks.

A recall was issued for some 1993-1994 models (NHTSA Campaign ID: 94V073002) for improper welds on the rear axle housing, which could affect vehicle control but is unrelated to the steering column itself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)