Steering play

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Nov 18, 2010 | 02:52 PM

titanminator

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 88

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From: Bothell, WA

Steering play

Im at a lost here. I have an 89 F250 2wd with lots o steering play. I first replaced the center drag link which gave it a sligth improvement. Next the steering box replaced, improved a lot. Now, still have play and steering wander in the freeway. What else can it be?

Nov 18, 2010 | 03:25 PM

rupejosh

Cargo Master

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 3,409

Likes: 1

From: back in SE Iowa

tie rod ends ball joints pitman arm......

Nov 18, 2010 | 04:10 PM

SnuffthePunkz

Laughing Gas

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 1,055

Likes: 1

From: Surrey, BC, Canada

lol. rupejosh, basically everything I need to replace in my truck...
I'll post a video later, it's kinda funny the play I have in my truck, makes the gf a little nervous.

Nov 18, 2010 | 04:57 PM

mikecwik

Senior User

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 105

Likes: 0

did you check where the steering column joins the steering box? rag joint i think its called. if thats ok you might try to adjust the gearbox mesh. someone else can tell you how to do that or you can search it. you just might need a new box.

Nov 18, 2010 | 05:05 PM

swooshcmk

Elder User

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 950

Likes: 2

From: West Bend

I also agree with checking the rubber coupling from the steering joint to the steering box. Mine's got a fair amount of play in it and is on the fix-it list. Also check where the steering shaft exits the steering column under the hood. I've seen it where the shaft rusted tight and no longer telescoped to give under body flex. It basically just hammered the snot out of the lower bearing on the steering column and let the shaft wobble around.

If those check out I'd recommend taking it in for an alignment. Improper steering geometry setup can cause a truck to wander around.

Nov 18, 2010 | 06:27 PM

Scratcher

More Turbo

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 618

Likes: 3

From: Grand Rapids

My moneys on the rag joint. I had the same issue and swapped it out for a U joint. Free play is gone!

Nov 18, 2010 | 07:41 PM

swooshcmk

Elder User

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 950

Likes: 2

From: West Bend

u-joint? Info on what part you used and where you got it?

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Nov 18, 2010 | 08:41 PM

swooshcmk

Elder User

Joined: Apr 2002

Posts: 950

Likes: 2

From: West Bend

Nice, but yowza that's pricey. I'll stick to my 10.00 rubber donut!

Nov 18, 2010 | 08:58 PM

#10

Scratcher

More Turbo

Joined: May 2010

Posts: 618

Likes: 3

From: Grand Rapids

Quote:

Originally Posted by swooshcmk

Nice, but yowza that's pricey. I'll stick to my 10.00 rubber donut!

Yep its pricey................ But my steering is now responsive and I'm not constantly fighting it.

Nov 19, 2010 | 12:08 AM

#11

oreocreaming

Postmaster

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 4,319

Likes: 4

From: Elk City, OK

had the same issue with mine. rebuilt the box and it was good as new!

Nov 19, 2010 | 03:47 AM

#12

tjc transport

i ain't rite

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 65,561

Likes: 5,596

From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

another thing to look at is where the upper and power column meet. there is a teflon bushing in there held in by a spring steel clip. if the clip breaks the bushing falls out, and you have instant 1/4 turn play in the steering.