steering / "slipping" problem?

=== Likely so. Sometimes unsettling experiences can shake you up for a while. To check steering play - tie rods, etc., try turning the steering wheel gently with the engine off. Should move only slightly before encountering resistance. I don't know if this is the recommended procedure, but if it were me I'd likely find a large flat snow covered lot and practice spin outs to get the feel of the car losing traction, and how it responds.

Ok, thanks. I'm in Sacramento now - not much chance of finding an icy / snow-covered lot here, but thanks for the thought...

Michael

Sounds like it is all in your mind.

You think you had a scare. 20 years ago in Rochester, NY it was the end of the snow season. It started raining and back then no one had temperature readouts in their cars and temp must have dipped. I take an exit and lose complete control because the pavement had turned to black ice. Car starts going off the exit which is above grade about 60 feet and I think to myself I will be soon tumbling down the cliff. Below I notice is a automotive salvage yard. I'm thinking to myself that at least I will land in the right place if I survive and I won't need the car towed. Anyway, somehow the tires grab some dirt as I am spinning out and the car stops before sliding down the cliff. I say a few prayers and then I realize another out of control car is headed my way and will likely push me over the edge. But somehow his tires also grab dirt and he spins out and ends up parallel to me a few inches away. It is as if we parked the car next to each other. We waved and sped off before another car came and knocked us both down the hill.

Bottom line..... everyone has close calls. Relax.

If you have bad shocks then not only will it feel bumpy, but you will feel like that the car sways more, which might explain why you feel you are going to slide.

Worn struts probably don't help either. You'll lose roll stability with those.