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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/cdl-inspect-steering-play

How much steering wheel free play is too much on a commercial vehicle?

More than 10 degrees, about 2 inches at the rim of a 20-inch wheel.

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  1. More than 5 degrees
  2. More than 30 degrees
  3. More than 10 degrees ✔

Why: Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees can make the truck hard to steer. On a 20-inch wheel, that is about 2 inches of movement at the rim.

Huh, didn't know that: During the walk-around, you grab the steering parts to test for looseness.

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Why was the steering wheel so calm? It always knew which way to turn.
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References

Answer: More than 10 degrees. Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees can make the truck hard to steer. On a 20-inch wheel, that is about 2 inches of movement at the rim.

  1. California Commercial Driver Handbook (DMV) www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/file/california-commercial-driver-handbook-pdf
    Steering wheel play of more than 10 degrees (approximately 2 inches movement at the rim of a 20 inch steering wheel)
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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