Steering Bind
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Steering Bind
It looks like a few others have touched on this subject. I am not sure if I have the same problem or not because there may be other factors involved.
'77 F150 4X4 w/3" lift. The steering binds, then frees up, then binds again as I turn the wheel around. It feels like the little u-joint is binding in one spot. The strange part is it's usually intermittent. It became a problem a couple weeks ago, which I thought was the power steering pump (which was noisy.) It worked for a week or two, then started randomly happening again. Tonight, it I had all I could do to get out of the driveway because it became really tight. I observed the linkages while my friend turned the wheel, and the steering linkages seem to jerk around on initial wheel turn. The front axle shafts are not binding at all. I did notice that the linkages and track bar appear to be unchanged from the factory, even though there is a suspension lift on the truck.
Does this sound like the little u-joint is binding, or are the cab mounts shot, or should there be a change in the linkage due to the lift?
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
'77 F150 4X4 w/3" lift. The steering binds, then frees up, then binds again as I turn the wheel around. It feels like the little u-joint is binding in one spot. The strange part is it's usually intermittent. It became a problem a couple weeks ago, which I thought was the power steering pump (which was noisy.) It worked for a week or two, then started randomly happening again. Tonight, it I had all I could do to get out of the driveway because it became really tight. I observed the linkages while my friend turned the wheel, and the steering linkages seem to jerk around on initial wheel turn. The front axle shafts are not binding at all. I did notice that the linkages and track bar appear to be unchanged from the factory, even though there is a suspension lift on the truck.
Does this sound like the little u-joint is binding, or are the cab mounts shot, or should there be a change in the linkage due to the lift?
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
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Joined: Sep 2001
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Steering Bind
Don't drive the truck until you find the problem and get it fixed. It sounds like a real safety issue.
I would start by disconnecting the pitman arm. Rotate the steering box and feel for a bind. If you find a bind disconnect the steering shaft at the rag joint or U-Joint. When that is done feel the column to see if a bearing is binding in the column. If the problem is not in the column your problem is most likely in the steering box.
I would start by disconnecting the pitman arm. Rotate the steering box and feel for a bind. If you find a bind disconnect the steering shaft at the rag joint or U-Joint. When that is done feel the column to see if a bearing is binding in the column. If the problem is not in the column your problem is most likely in the steering box.
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Steering Bind
Well, I had to do it in reverse order. I don't have a socket large enough for the Pitman Arm, so I started with the rag joint. Once I got it loose, I cranked the wheel and noticed the shaft was still jerking. Turns out the little u-joint is wasted!
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Steering Bind
one other point...if you adjust your steering box, only adjust in very small increments(1\4 th turn) because you can Over adjust and it will bind up and you will NOT beable to correct . very hazardous to your health. fd
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From: Boise, ID
Steering Bind
Originally posted by nbaff
ohh what lift are you running
ohh what lift are you running
If you're looking to replace the shaft, the double u-joint Borgeson shaft looks nice. I'm about to find out how nice as soon as the UPS guy gets mine here
. I don't have a body lift but they are supposed to be the cat's meow for those.
Last edited by 77'F-150Mudder; May 24, 2003 at 12:38 AM.
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Steering Bind
I was told I could get the little u-joint from NAPA, however they have nothing for me. It looks like my only alternative is the Borgeson bearing. I'll probably end up getting it from the Bronco Graveyard, unless I can find one cheaper. There is no body lift (yet!)
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: North Carolina, Wilmingto
Steering Bind
skoozo,
what spring are you running some custom ones or soemthing you purchased some where. seem to me if you are going to go with a body lift sometime soon might want to go with the borgeson
what spring are you running some custom ones or soemthing you purchased some where. seem to me if you are going to go with a body lift sometime soon might want to go with the borgeson
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Steering Bind
As far as I can tell, they're rancho springs. The guy I bought it from told me it was a 3" lift. It has Rancho shocks, and the springs are red, so I have to assume that's what they are.
The body lift is still bouncing around in my head. The truck is a driver at least through next Spring, so I don't plan on any major projects for a while. However, when I do get the body work done, I plan on stripping the frame down to at least a rolling chassis, and if I'm going to put new body mounts on, I might as well add a couple inches.
In light of that, it makes sense to spend the money up front, rather than spending money on a temporary solution, and then having to upgrade anyway.
Let me know how that bearing works, since it'll be a few days before I get anything going on my truck. I'm still caught between buying just the bearing/u-joint or the whole shaft.
The body lift is still bouncing around in my head. The truck is a driver at least through next Spring, so I don't plan on any major projects for a while. However, when I do get the body work done, I plan on stripping the frame down to at least a rolling chassis, and if I'm going to put new body mounts on, I might as well add a couple inches.
In light of that, it makes sense to spend the money up front, rather than spending money on a temporary solution, and then having to upgrade anyway.
Let me know how that bearing works, since it'll be a few days before I get anything going on my truck. I'm still caught between buying just the bearing/u-joint or the whole shaft.
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