It still has quick steering but im used to it.
Overly sensitive steering
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 321
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From: Atlanta
Overly sensitive steering
Guys, I am trying to sort out the steering on this 77 F100. 2WD, PS, 300 CID motor. Yes, I have searched the forums and the web.
I don't think there is a lot of play in the system. If I put the front end on jacks, I can't wiggle the tires. With a pry bar, I can't get the idler arm ball joints to move in any obvious way. I have a new used flex coupler. On a flat road, it does not have an obvious pull, but over about 1/10 mile it will work to the right shoulder.
If I move the steering wheel, the tires move. The problem I have appears not to be "play", but just too much sensitivity. When driving at about 35 MPH, you can put a fingertip on the wheel and easily move it an inch and the truck will change lanes. That's not too much of an exaggeration.
What do I do to tighten this up without throwing parts at it? I'm about ready to disconnect the PS pump until I get it fixed.
I don't think there is a lot of play in the system. If I put the front end on jacks, I can't wiggle the tires. With a pry bar, I can't get the idler arm ball joints to move in any obvious way. I have a new used flex coupler. On a flat road, it does not have an obvious pull, but over about 1/10 mile it will work to the right shoulder.
If I move the steering wheel, the tires move. The problem I have appears not to be "play", but just too much sensitivity. When driving at about 35 MPH, you can put a fingertip on the wheel and easily move it an inch and the truck will change lanes. That's not too much of an exaggeration.
What do I do to tighten this up without throwing parts at it? I'm about ready to disconnect the PS pump until I get it fixed.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 37
From: Northern Virginia.
sounds somewhat normal. mine is real sensative. i know that red head steering gears
has a way to slow it down some as far as response. but other than that i dont know
what else to do.
has a way to slow it down some as far as response. but other than that i dont know
what else to do.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 158
Likes: 1
Hi
i am by no mean an expert, but thru all my reading, i vaguley remember someone posting something about having power steering box wrongly rebuilt, (gear ratio of some sort ) on the inside is wrong.
where you would normally require 1/2 turn of the steering wheel, now you can do it with 1/8 of a turn.
I could not find the thread, i have been reading, tons of post before i start swapping.
G
i am by no mean an expert, but thru all my reading, i vaguley remember someone posting something about having power steering box wrongly rebuilt, (gear ratio of some sort ) on the inside is wrong.
where you would normally require 1/2 turn of the steering wheel, now you can do it with 1/8 of a turn.
I could not find the thread, i have been reading, tons of post before i start swapping.
G
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
An adjustable power steering valve is available in the aftermarket to reduce the line pressure and its twitchiness. It's a Heidts' piece but I recall others. For example, go to yogisinc.com and search for PN PS-101.
Otherwise, has the rig had an alignment recently? Could be caster issue. Or, an undersized PS pulley? Hmmmm....
Otherwise, has the rig had an alignment recently? Could be caster issue. Or, an undersized PS pulley? Hmmmm....
New User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: California
I have an 77 F-250 with very loose steering. I can hold the steering wheel still and the truck will wander on the road then vise versa, I can move the steering wheel 5-6" in either direction and the wheel won't move. I've check the other steering parts which are in fair condition. My repair manual mentioned an adjusment of the steering gear to increase or decrease the sensitivity of the steering. I made the adjustment and it tightened the play but my gears are worn as the wheels still wander but after the adjustment there is no longer the 5-6" play in the steering wheel. I have ordered an reman steering gear. I would suggest adjusting the steering gear prior to any purchases. Just my two cents.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 321
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From: Atlanta
I will check the toe. Working on it today. Will also install the Heidts valve to reduce hydraulic pressure to the steering box. I'll report back when I get done.
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