f-250 steering box adjustment
#1
f-250 steering box adjustment
I just bought a 2003 f-250 7.3 with 150k miles. My alignment guy said the steering box needed tightening up. He did and I noticed it was a little tight turning, but didn't feel comfortable questioning him. Subsequently, there is a groan when I turn the wheel now. It's been about a month since he adjusted it.
Does anybody have any ideas what this might be?
Thanks,
Wayne
Does anybody have any ideas what this might be?
Thanks,
Wayne
#2
I would try backing the adjustment off and see if it stops. On top of the steering box there is a nut w/allen head, nut is a 5/8's i beleive. Mark the allen head with paint stick or something so you can tell how much you turn it. Just loosen nut and turn allen head counter clock wise just a 1/4 at a time. If you back it off a 1/4 and it goes away your all set if not keep at it and make sure your steering wheel isnt getting sloppy.
#4
#5
Thanks, guys!
The interesting thing is I haven't done all the other things first. I'm not quite sure where that leaves me. I guess I should back it off a 1/4 turn and see what happens. I've been thinking of doing all those things but haven't got started on it, yet.
Do you think the power steering pump maybe damaged?
Wayne
The interesting thing is I haven't done all the other things first. I'm not quite sure where that leaves me. I guess I should back it off a 1/4 turn and see what happens. I've been thinking of doing all those things but haven't got started on it, yet.
Do you think the power steering pump maybe damaged?
Wayne
#6
#7
I tightened my box ('01, 160K) and it removed the slack, but the box still feels worn out. As someone pointed out, the wear all happens in the 'straight ahead' position where you do most of your driving, so adjusting the box can make it tight in the unworn areas. I have adjusted several other boxes with success, so it can work, but not on every box, every time.
In my case, the front end is tight (all parts replaced), so I may just replace the box.
In my case, the front end is tight (all parts replaced), so I may just replace the box.
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#8
I'll check it out as you say, and see what happens. It just seems like quite a coincidence that the pump started howling after it was tightened.
I really want to replace all the bushings, tie rod ends, ball joints, steering damper, u joints and will probably replace the steering box. It's a super nice truck and is worth making it run right.
Does anyone know someone in the South Central Kentucky area that works on Power strokes and really knows how to do the job properly. I don't feel capable of doing something that extensive.
Thanks,
Wayne
I really want to replace all the bushings, tie rod ends, ball joints, steering damper, u joints and will probably replace the steering box. It's a super nice truck and is worth making it run right.
Does anyone know someone in the South Central Kentucky area that works on Power strokes and really knows how to do the job properly. I don't feel capable of doing something that extensive.
Thanks,
Wayne
#9
I'll check it out as you say, and see what happens. It just seems like quite a coincidence that the pump started howling after it was tightened.
I really want to replace all the bushings, tie rod ends, ball joints, steering damper, u joints and will probably replace the steering box. It's a super nice truck and is worth making it run right.
Does anyone know someone in the South Central Kentucky area that works on Power strokes and really knows how to do the job properly. I don't feel capable of doing something that extensive.
Thanks,
Wayne
I really want to replace all the bushings, tie rod ends, ball joints, steering damper, u joints and will probably replace the steering box. It's a super nice truck and is worth making it run right.
Does anyone know someone in the South Central Kentucky area that works on Power strokes and really knows how to do the job properly. I don't feel capable of doing something that extensive.
Thanks,
Wayne
You must first and always jack the front end off the ground during the adjustments. Test the steering wheel for binding as you adjust the box. Adjust it till you feel a tightness in the wheel then back off till it easy to turn the wheel inside the cab.
#10
And always check it near the ends of travel for binding. A worn box will lock up near the ends, but still be sloppy in the middle (that sounded bad)
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