steering wheel play.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
steering wheel play.
i have a lot of play in the steering wheel of my 1997 f-350. It was lifted before i got the truck. I bought it with 117,000 on it with a 6in lift and 35" tires. I replaced the tie rods but those stupid rubber boots ripped again dam it. Gotta get alignment for inspection. The rag joint is fine its not loose or worn out at all.
Something is telling me to replace the pitmen arm. As i turn the wheel a little bit i see a lot of play there. But im also thinking that the steering box could be wearing out as well since thats the original one from 97. Anybody have any ideas here
Something is telling me to replace the pitmen arm. As i turn the wheel a little bit i see a lot of play there. But im also thinking that the steering box could be wearing out as well since thats the original one from 97. Anybody have any ideas here
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 255
Likes: 0
From: Pendergrass, GA
The six inch lift is the problem. Anything you lift something the amount of steering wheel play is going to increase as well. It'll also increase the wear rate. Bigger tires means more pressure on gear box, tie rod joints and pump. Either get rid of the lift as I am doing in the next couple weeks or just learn to live with it.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
found the problem with the play in the steering wheel. Replaced the powersteering pump and steering box and replaced the pitman arm. Makes a BIGGG difference. I can actually keep the truck on the road now.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 0
From: West Texas
steering boxes can be adjusted for free. I know some experts on here say not to but Ford dealers I worked at say otherwise.
Also, the pitman arm rarely wears out. The tie rod end connected to it does.
Also, the pitman arm rarely wears out. The tie rod end connected to it does.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,738
Likes: 103
From: FL
Worm Bearing Preload (Overall Input Shaft Torque with Sector Shaft Removed) 4-9 Lb-In
Worm to Piston Preload 1-3 Lb-In
Meshload Adjusting Screw Lock Nut 35-45 lb-ft
straight from the shop manual...
Worm to Piston Preload 1-3 Lb-In
Meshload Adjusting Screw Lock Nut 35-45 lb-ft
straight from the shop manual...
Trending Topics
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,158
Likes: 0
From: West Texas
Thanks. I couldn't find that. If you don't have an inch pound wrench then be very very careful. Never turn it in more than 1/8 turn at a time. It can lock the steering on you if you overdo it. And lock it at a very bad time.
Also put a inline 3/8 transmission filter on the return line to the pump. Use synthetic atf in it and never worry about it wearing anything out in your lifetime again.
Also put a inline 3/8 transmission filter on the return line to the pump. Use synthetic atf in it and never worry about it wearing anything out in your lifetime again.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
texasjack
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
40
Jul 30, 2023 12:04 PM
ThemanfromAlabam
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
May 15, 2016 08:13 PM
JOHNNYRICH10
1999 - 2003 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel
7
Feb 21, 2012 08:49 AM
drof46
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
9
Jan 21, 2006 10:11 PM
