front wheel play

I changed my brake pads and had my rotors turned today, and while it was lifted I grabbed my front tires at the 3 & 9 o'clock position I had some play. It was rock solid in the 12 & 6 position. How can I determine what is causing this? My Suburban is a '99 K1500. Thanks!

at 3 and 9 you are pulling against the steering rack..at 12 and 6 your not..

pardon my ignorance, but does this mean that a little play is o.k.. I was under the impression that there shouldn't be any??

if its rock solid in the 12 and 6 position then dont worry about a thing....

EXCELLENT! Thanks!

If you're getting easy movement at the 6 & 9 positions. Could be worn Pitman and/or idler arms.

What would you consider easy movement? Without anything to compare it to I would say it was easy. If it is a problem what is the best way to deduce what is at fault?

jack up just one side of the car and see if it is easy to move the wheel in the 3 and 9 position..if not then theres nothing to worry about..ususally these problems show up under driving conditions. Cant say i have ever heard of an "idler arm " is in a steering system. A worn pittman arm or joint is going to have play at the steering wheel, not the road wheel.

pitman arm and idler arm are almost the same thing, one just has the steering box atatched. both could be worn, as well as tie rods. they are all very important to have looked at, because this could allow the wheels to wander around while you drive and wear your tires faster. most alignment shops will only charge you about 20 bucks to lift it up and show you whats wrong. if you have a second person, have them wiggle the tire back and forth while you look under the truck. anything with play needs to be replaced. when in doubt, take it to a pro (alignment shop)

-Rob

I think I'll take it to a pro. This way I can be sure and of course, I can learn from it. Thanks to ALL!