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Well, like so many others, I'm replacing the infamous actuator in the 80's vintage tilt steering column. Sorry to say, I'm not new at this and the reason for this post is the actuator only lasted a few months before it broke again.
So, I obtained a new actuator. Ford no longer makes this part, so I obtained a Dorman 83280. I test fitted it before installation and it seems to fit and work smoothly. There was no indication of binding on the old part. I did feel that the actuator fit perhaps rather snugly and on checking the part, I found the ominous word "CHINA" cast into it. There seemed to be a parting line along the sliding part, so I took the effort to file the surface smooth and deburr the edges and corners. The previous replacement also had this parting line, but did not have the "CHINA" marking. It also was a Dorman part.
Does anyone know if the original Ford part had such a casting line? It does fit better and work smoothly after I filed mine smooth and I also used a smear of lithium grease on the sliding surfaces.
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.
