Won't return to center.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
Won't return to center.
The steering on my 88 wont come back to center, the tie rod ends are good, i just replaced the drag link, no help. I am starting to think the gear box is binding up. It also dumps a good amount of fluid out of the output shaft, so its time at least for new seals. Is this type of problem repairable? Or am I going to need to buy a whole different gear box?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,541
Likes: 54
From: Des Moines
Well, if you need to replace seals, then you can inspect for binding/damage when you do that. It's a pretty basic gear box- shouldn't be difficult to see any problems once you remove the cover plate. But just so you know, you don't have to touch the nut with the screwdriver slot in it to remove the cover plate- and you don't want to touch it, as it will mess with your alignment.
You can purge the fluid by putting the front end on jackstands, disconnecting the fluid return line [should be the line that's closer to the rear of the gear box] and turning the wheel back and forth. Be prepared- it will take about 20 turns, full left to full right to purge the bulk of it.
Whether you replace it or reuse it, once the gear box is reinstalled, connect the input line and then fill the gear box with fluid from the return line bore. It will take a rather small funnel, but will save you a real headache when it comes to bleeding the system.
Keep us updated.
You can purge the fluid by putting the front end on jackstands, disconnecting the fluid return line [should be the line that's closer to the rear of the gear box] and turning the wheel back and forth. Be prepared- it will take about 20 turns, full left to full right to purge the bulk of it.
Whether you replace it or reuse it, once the gear box is reinstalled, connect the input line and then fill the gear box with fluid from the return line bore. It will take a rather small funnel, but will save you a real headache when it comes to bleeding the system.
Keep us updated.
New User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
I had that happen on my truck too although mine was intermittent(sp?) though. I would let go after going around a turn and it just stayed. The fun part was when it did it changing lanes. You pull the wheel and it wouldn't move. I'd pull harder and then it'd move and I shoot into the other lane at which point it was stuck again and didn't want to strighten back out. A bit un-nerving.
For me it was the u-joint in the front left spindle. One of the caps had siezed. When it was inline with the BJ's the truck didn't want to turn when it was horizontal the truck steered fine.
Steve
For me it was the u-joint in the front left spindle. One of the caps had siezed. When it was inline with the BJ's the truck didn't want to turn when it was horizontal the truck steered fine.
Steve
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,960
Likes: 594
From: Greater Austin, Texas
ball joints are brand new, there is no slack in my bjs
Trending Topics
Laughing Gas
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 959
Likes: 8
From: Imperial, MO
What is your caster set at? Caster will have a big effect on whether or not the wheel will return to center. And yes, if the steering gearbox is dumping fluid, that would be the place to start.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
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
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Endwell, NY
Define improperly. I just had four new balljoints installed and it doesnt COMPLETELY return to center which is becoming rather annoying.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
Is the truck 4x4? A bad axle (universal) joint can cause memory steer. Brand new ball joints might be tight enough to cause memory steer but should "break in" fairly quickly.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Endwell, NY
The lower BJ needs to be tightened before the upper. The camber bushing needs to be installed the way it was before.
Is the truck 4x4? A bad axle (universal) joint can cause memory steer. Brand new ball joints might be tight enough to cause memory steer but should "break in" fairly quickly.
Is the truck 4x4? A bad axle (universal) joint can cause memory steer. Brand new ball joints might be tight enough to cause memory steer but should "break in" fairly quickly.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 7,437
Likes: 4
From: Charles Town, W bygod Va
To check your axle joints you can turn the wheels to one side, unlock the hubs and try to turn the front axles by hand, at the axle joints themselves. If they are bad they wont turn. The shop had the axles out when they did the BJ's, and should have noticed if they were bad.
Freshman User
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: Endwell, NY
To check your axle joints you can turn the wheels to one side, unlock the hubs and try to turn the front axles by hand, at the axle joints themselves. If they are bad they wont turn. The shop had the axles out when they did the BJ's, and should have noticed if they were bad.
Thanks for your input!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
52 F1 Stocker
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
23
Oct 23, 2015 10:13 AM
Johnnyfiveoh
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
8
Dec 3, 2002 11:32 AM
