Loose steering
FTE Legend
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
Have someone turn the wheel just enough to take the play out of the steering while you go look. Start with the steering column under the hood and check to make sure the shaft into the sector box is turning the same amount as the shaft coming out of the cab. You may have to pull the plastic cover over the input to the sector box to be able to tell.
Then, do the same with the sector box - look to see if the output is moving the same amount as the input. My guess is that it won't be and that your box is worn. If so, it is replacement time as the adjustment on top will only take the feel out of the steering if you take out any slack.
But, go on and watch the rest of the linkage to look for movement on one side and none, or reduced movement, on the other. That way you will find the wear points.
Postmaster
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,560
Likes: 1
tie rods, ball joints, axle pivot bushings, they're all normal wear items capable of causing your symptoms. start with the steering box as mentioned above, and follow it down as needed.
one thing i learned last month is that to check the axle pivot bushings, you'll need to raise the truck by its frame, so there's no weight on the suspension. mine were destroyed.
on an F150 i used to have, the frame was shattered around the steering box, causing the whole frame rail to move around, and obviously causing one helluva steering nightmare. it was damage from a previous collision. take a look around at everything while your buddy is working the steering wheel
as with any problem, diagnose until you're sure what it needs, then start buying parts for it
one thing i learned last month is that to check the axle pivot bushings, you'll need to raise the truck by its frame, so there's no weight on the suspension. mine were destroyed.
on an F150 i used to have, the frame was shattered around the steering box, causing the whole frame rail to move around, and obviously causing one helluva steering nightmare. it was damage from a previous collision. take a look around at everything while your buddy is working the steering wheel
as with any problem, diagnose until you're sure what it needs, then start buying parts for it
pedant
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,576
Likes: 40
From: EXTREME southwest CT
Frames are known to flex and break at the steering box.
It is not uncommon, especially with lifted trucks that have tires wider than stock.
With an 8" lift I would also take a very close look at the drop pitman arm.
Rag Joint, Ball joints, and tie rod ends take a lot of abuse in a truck like that, moreso when driven on pavement.
It is not uncommon, especially with lifted trucks that have tires wider than stock.
With an 8" lift I would also take a very close look at the drop pitman arm.
Rag Joint, Ball joints, and tie rod ends take a lot of abuse in a truck like that, moreso when driven on pavement.
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