play in steering wheel
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2,408
Likes: 5
From: Parkesburg PA
As said before, have someone turn the wheel and look under the hood. If the wheel moves but the double-D shaft doesn't then it's in the column. If the wheel and the shaft move but the pitman arm doesn't then it's in the box or rag joint, etc. Then jack up and support the front end and with the wheels on, grab at 3 and 9 o-clock and rock the front wheels back and forth with someone looking at the steering linkage. If any of the joints have any play in them replace them. It could be one thing or most likely a combination of things. For balljoints I like to have a jack under the arm with the wheel about 3" up and I use an old torsion bar as a lever and lift up on the wheel. Use one had on the lever, one on the top of the tire and you can feel if there's a click. You can also have someone look at the ball joints to see if they move. Then there's the pivot bushings on both the 4x2's and 4x4's. If they're shot the beams can move and give you front end play. Check wheel bearings by grabbing at 11 and 4 or so. You'll feel the play but won't see any joints moving if it's just the wheel bearings.
Don't just blindly replace parts. It's better said "Definitely look at the column as a start."
Don't just blindly replace parts. It's better said "Definitely look at the column as a start."
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mrblue01
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Aug 23, 2001 06:20 PM
