slack in sterring
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Gulf Coast, MS
slack in sterring
I have about 10 degrees slack in my steering either way and wondering if there is anything I can do about it. I have checked all other steering component and the only movement I see is the pitman arm attached to the steering box. If correct there is some type of adjustment on top of the steering box. It does have power steering. Any advice.....
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,735
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From: Wingo, Ky
Do not drive after the adjustment that's a good way to end up in a ditch. After tightening a 1/4 turn jack it up and turn it lock to lock to check for binding. You can cause the box to lock up if tightened to much. The box isn't wore as much when you turn left or right most of the slop is in the center. Adjusting the sector screw on the top isn't the only adjustment either. Give Red Head steering gears a call they will help you and can provide you with a great rebuilt gearbox if you want it.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,735
Likes: 2
From: Wingo, Ky
I have about 10 degrees slack in my steering either way and wondering if there is anything I can do about it. I have checked all other steering component and the only movement I see is the pitman arm attached to the steering box. If correct there is some type of adjustment on top of the steering box. It does have power steering. Any advice.....
If its loose the splines could be worn on the pitman arm already.
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Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: The Shenandoah Valley
I have about 10 degrees slack in my steering either way and wondering if there is anything I can do about it. I have checked all other steering component and the only movement I see is the pitman arm attached to the steering box. If correct there is some type of adjustment on top of the steering box. It does have power steering. Any advice....
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1286258-redhead-steering-box.html
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Elder User
Joined: May 2004
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From: Shreveport, LA
Well, a good way to narrow down where the slack is would be to have someone sit in there with the engine off and move the wheel back and forth like they are a kid playing bus driver. While they do this, pop the hood and look at all the movement going on.
If you see anything moving more than it should, there's one of your slack areas. One of the big places would be the rag joint; you'll often see the upper portion of the shaft rotate much more than the lower portion.
Dont just stop under the hood, though. Look under the whole front of the vehicle. Bushings, ball joints, all that good stuff can all have play in it and is a good sign that it may need some attention.
If you narrow it down to the steering box, though, boy are you in luck. The link above goes to a group by to the best rebuilt box you can put into your truck and it looks like it all kicks off on the 15th (I think) of this month.
It's a hundred times better than fooling with that little screw on top of it; I've never had a bad experience with it, but other threads have mentioned having problems with the steering failing to re-center after too much adjustment.
If you see anything moving more than it should, there's one of your slack areas. One of the big places would be the rag joint; you'll often see the upper portion of the shaft rotate much more than the lower portion.
Dont just stop under the hood, though. Look under the whole front of the vehicle. Bushings, ball joints, all that good stuff can all have play in it and is a good sign that it may need some attention.
If you narrow it down to the steering box, though, boy are you in luck. The link above goes to a group by to the best rebuilt box you can put into your truck and it looks like it all kicks off on the 15th (I think) of this month.
It's a hundred times better than fooling with that little screw on top of it; I've never had a bad experience with it, but other threads have mentioned having problems with the steering failing to re-center after too much adjustment.
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May 29, 2007 06:10 PM