When I grasp the steering wheel I can pull it out about 1/8" of an inch, kinda like a telescoping steering shaft. I can also push it in the same amount after being pulled on.

The play seems to be in the joint on the engine side of the firewall where the upper and lower steering shafts join. It is a joint looking mechanism with 4 bolts. It is not the splined portion of the lower shaft. The lower shaft does not move, all motion is in the upper shaft.

So, I guess the question is whether or not all trucks have this play and if it's a problem. Could it be a collapsed steering shaft?

Check your steering adjustment lever under the steering wheel. If it aint that then find out what it is and get it checked out and fixed.:sun:

You'd think I would learn! Fucking AF ate my post again! :(

Anyway, I replied on XOC too. I had the same exact problem shortly after buying my Xterra. The dealer diagnosed it as a collapsed steering column, though they could not explain how it got that way, since I hadn't hit anything.

If I understand it right, the column is like two tubes; one that slides inside the other. Inside, there is a collapsible structure. If the structure inside collapses, the outer tube will slide on the inner one the same amount as what's crushed inside. This is much like a shock absorber except it doesn't rebound by itself. It's not suppose to move at all unless you're in an accident.

When I had mine replaced it took about 6 weeks to get a new steering column from Nissan. During that time they assured me it was safe to drive the truck though. I haven't had a problem since and that was over two years ago.

I'd go to the dealer and just tell them right away that you think your steering column collapsed. Might save them a lot of time scratching their heads and get you back in business quicker. Then again they may argue with you and tell you that you don't know what you're talking about! :(

HTH!

I called the dealer and the service manager (a Frontier and now an Xterra owner) said that collapsed shaft may be the problem. Taking the truck in next Wednesday and hopefully it'll be covered under warranty.

Hmmmm.....my steering wheel has always done that. Guess I'd better get it looked at too. Never really thought about it though. Noticed soon after delivery, but just played it off, and never really thought about it. I have to actively push it in or pull it out to notice it.

:confused:

It takes a bit of effort to push/pull it. My 10 year old did it while I looked under the hood.

I've always wondered about that myself. Mines done it since day one and my truck is 2 1/2 years old now.

Well, took the truck in for the column fix.

Turns out it was a loose lock nut on the steering column upper shaft. Steering wheel had to be pulled as the nut is underneath it.

And it was even covered under warranty.