Play on the right front wheel

Hey everyone,

My steering feels pretty vague, even with the 225mm tires.
I took a closer look at the steering wheel, and I noticed that it has "play".
So, when I sit directly in front of the steering wheel and push it towards the steering column (up and down), I can feel it move by about 1-2mm.
You can also hear it.

I've noticed the same thing when I touch and move the steering wheel on the sides.

What could be causing this?
Steering wheel bearings?
Steering rack?
Tie rod?

P.S.:
I've already replaced the shock absorbers, springs, strut mounts, control arms, bushings, rubber bushings for the control arms, tie rod ends, and steering rack in the past year.

Therefore, I suspect either the steering rack or the steering wheel bearings.
However, I don't want to replace them just in case, because then I'll be left with nothing

Hi,
Do you also hear a noise while driving, for example when turning? That would indicate a faulty wheel bearing.
What kind of vehicle is it?
hg
Herbert

I don't hear any running noises, at least not any that are audible.

There's no whistling, no creaking or clicking.

Even when I fully turn the steering wheel and then turn it back in the other direction, I don't hear any noises.

Therefore, I'm not sure if this is coming from the steering column.

It's a 4-door Golf Variant.

A faulty wheel bearing will be noticeable by rumbling or grinding noises when cornering.

If you feel play in the wheel as described, then check more closely where. For example, feel at the axle joint, the upper strut, the steering linkage, etc.

hg
Herbert

Do you mean directly at the axial joint?

If you mean an "axle joint" as a joint in the drive shaft, then no.

If the wheel has play as described, then this is either due to a completely ruined wheel bearing (that's why I asked about the typical noises associated with a bearing failure), or a loose or worn connection in the wheel suspension. However, you need to check these areas yourself. It's much easier to do this in a workshop on a lift, preferably with a checking tool ("rattle plate").
Herbert

The "spurstange" is also commonly referred to as an axial joint. I think that's what he means.

The wheel bearings on a Golf 4 are a bit of a special case. I've already had two sets with extreme play, but they were still completely silent.

Is the shock absorber strut tilting too much?

Wheel studs?
Central screw, connecting rod?

Okay, take another helper, go to the car, listen/feel to find the problem.