Steering Column Repair: soft spot when steering an S10, steering mechanism, steering wheel

Question
Hey Guys, I have a 1999 Chevy S-10 Blazer. Whenever I drive, there seems to be a lot of play in the steering where I can turn the steering wheel but nothing happens to the wheels of the SUV. If you put your finger on the top of the steering wheel when going down the road straight, you can move the steering wheel almost two inches to either side and the car will continue going straight, Nothing happens to the wheels. PLEASE HELP!

Answer
Hi Cory:
Most of the time when a problem like this occurs, it is in the steering gear linkage (or rack and pinion) under the truck, not in the column. The column is simply a shaft that connects you to the steering mechanism and gearbox.  There isn't anything in there that can cause play the way you describe (while turning).  The play in a column would be the entire column being loose and feeling disconnected from the dash (that's common on older trucks, but not your design blazer).

I would suggest you take it to a 2 muffler-brake shops to get a couple of opinions.  The good shops shouldn't charge you to drive it or look at it.

Good luck
Doug