Brake and steering issues, please help!
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2011
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Brake and steering issues, please help!
Hey guys, I know that when buying an older truck there are things that will be in need of repair, which I am perfectly fine with. However, I was just wondering what the fixes are to my two main issues. First is that my steering feels loose, with about two inches of steering wheel play when held on center. However, when cornering all feels tight and rigid, is there some adjustment I can do? Secondly is a sinking brake pedal. I get good pressure when the pedal is about halfway down, but until then it feels very squishy. I had the brakes bled by a buddy who is a mechanic, I also have new pads and the fluid level is proper. Is a new master cylinder needed? Thanks guys!
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Scio, OR
Steering. You'll need a buddy.
First, have someone move the wheel back and forth about 1/2 turn with the engine running and wheels on the ground while you look at everything underneath the front that moves. Look at all the tie rod ends. There should be no play at all. Look at the track bar ends also.
Second, get each front wheel off of the ground. Use at minimum a 4 ton, but better a 6 ton jack stand for safety. Have your buddy reef up and down on the tire as hard as he can while you watch the upper and lower ball joints and the hub. Again, there should be no play.
Brakes are harder. They can be really hard to bleed, so you might try having it done again. Are you losing any brake fluid?
First, have someone move the wheel back and forth about 1/2 turn with the engine running and wheels on the ground while you look at everything underneath the front that moves. Look at all the tie rod ends. There should be no play at all. Look at the track bar ends also.
Second, get each front wheel off of the ground. Use at minimum a 4 ton, but better a 6 ton jack stand for safety. Have your buddy reef up and down on the tire as hard as he can while you watch the upper and lower ball joints and the hub. Again, there should be no play.
Brakes are harder. They can be really hard to bleed, so you might try having it done again. Are you losing any brake fluid?
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Have already checked the entire chassis, first thing I did actually, but thank you for the tip. I can live with it, but it's annoying...is it necessary to have fixed?
Also for the brakes, the fluid is not burnt and is not leaking, master cylinder perhaps?
Also for the brakes, the fluid is not burnt and is not leaking, master cylinder perhaps?
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