Steering question:. On center dead spot

[Selo]

Selo here, owner of pre-owned FFR Mk IV built from donor 1990 GT Mustang.
I've noticed that even at rest the steering wheel has a few degrees of play without engaging the steering rack. At speed, this seems to translate to a bit of a dead spot on center, and allows some drift at speed. Is this normal? The mechanic and a buddy of mine who knows a ton about cars don't seem concerned about the feel at rest. I've never had a car without power steering before and overall I love the feel, but I could do without the small amount of drift. Any way to get rid of it?

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Selo

Selo here, owner of pre-owned FFR Mk IV built from donor 1990 GT Mustang.
I've noticed that even at rest the steering wheel has a few degrees of play without engaging the steering rack.

Review this thread: Bob P. - What's Wrong with this Picture? and then determine exactly where your float is originating from. All of the components are easily replaced and the float itself is easy to measure. I even include vids in that thread.

[Selo]

Awesome, thanks.

[patrickt]

The easiest way to diagnose steering float/play is with a remote camera pointing at different components while you have the video screen in front of you as you turn the wheel with the full weight of the car on the front wheels. There are only so many parts that can have slack in them and, chances are, one of them will be obvious when observed under load (like my rack with the dial indicator on it). You didn't really need a gauge on it, but it was fun to do.