98 E250 Power Steering Issue

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Apr 18, 2014 | 08:46 AM

#16

JWA

Fleet Owner

Joined: Aug 2010

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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio

2nd U Joint

Okay so there is a second u-joint located inside the cabin:

This is the firewall mounting collar thru which the intermediate shaft runs:

And a few more images of a column completely removed:

So hope this helps just a little!

Apr 18, 2014 | 11:55 AM

#17

Smithdad

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Looks like you can take the bolt out that shows in JWA's 1st picture and that the shaft will slide up. As mentioned, removing that bolt may be a bear to do and that a lot of road grime will have to be cleaned from the shaft for it to slide up.

Thanks for the all the pictures. If all of those are from your van you have ALOT of panels removed!

Apr 18, 2014 | 12:53 PM

#18

JWA

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Joined: Aug 2010

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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smithdad

Thanks for the all the pictures. If all of those are from your van you have ALOT of panels removed!

No---those last two were gleaned from an eBay auction!

Theoretically your loosen the bolt, slide upwards works however with time comes things seizing together---hoping in your case its not too tough to replace that joint.

Let us know how this goes.

Apr 21, 2014 | 07:29 AM

#19

Smithdad

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Ok, Think I found the problem. I thought it would be wise to try to lubricate the bolt that locks that collar down to the top of the steering box. The one that you see in JWA's first photo. Using the more is better approach, I coated the whole area with WD-40 a couple of times over the last few days with the thought of working on it today. Well I had to use it this morning and wouldn't you know that the steering is now smooth again. I think I found the bad u-joint. Plan to try to change it today and check out the whole system. Report back later. Thanks

Apr 22, 2014 | 06:10 AM

#20

JWA

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Joined: Aug 2010

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From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio

Looking forward to your update---might prove helpful to someone else too!

Apr 23, 2014 | 07:43 AM

#21

Smithdad

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As under hood van projects go it was not too bad. Pre lubing it helped greatly I am sure. U-Joint was not visibly bad but basically just stiff compared to the new one. We live on 3 miles of dirt road and i believe that may have led to the problem. Thanks guys for all the help.