Wandering steering???
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: VA
Wandering steering???
My truck wanders all over the road especially on the highway. The stealership said everything on the front end looked good and tight. I just recently had the front end aligned by an alignment shop, but the wandering still occurs. Is my last resort to try and tighten/adjust the steering box? I have owned and driven bigger lifted trucks before and they were no where near as bad. I realize this truck isn't meant to drive like a sports car, but it should at least drive in a straight line. I am at a loss and it is becoming very frustrating to drive most times.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 1
From: Frederick MD
Mine did the same thing. I replace the steering box and it went away. I decided on a duralast gear with life time replacement from auto zone. I couldn't find anyone else running it so I figured I would be a test subject. I started a whole thread about it. Well so far no trouble with the gear and everything is still tight. Also flush the fluid if you do it.
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: VA
Mine did the same thing. I replace the steering box and it went away. I decided on a duralast gear with life time replacement from auto zone. I couldn't find anyone else running it so I figured I would be a test subject. I started a whole thread about it. Well so far no trouble with the gear and everything is still tight. Also flush the fluid if you do it.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
Redhead used to have a stellar reputation but lately the quality and customer service seems to be lagging. They are also quite expensive. I personally would try the Duralast. The warranty is great and they, Autozone, are every where.
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Tuned
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 286
Likes: 12
From: Central CA
I just installed one of the Duralast steering gears and also the power steering pump. The steering gear is good but I still have a little play but not too bad. The power steering pump was replaced with a rebuilt Motorcraft and boy what a difference. My braking is greatly improved, now those 6 piston calipers are doing there job.
I did also flush the fluid before I replace them and added a filter after they were replaced.
I did also flush the fluid before I replace them and added a filter after they were replaced.
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Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: VA
Duly noted. I will adjust 1/8th of a turn and test drive.
Hotshot
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 15,369
Likes: 121
From: Stuttgart, Ar
It can absolutely bind up if you turn the screw too much, especially on one with high miles. The gears get "worn" in one spot from lots of going straight ahead and not much wear to the sides, so when it gets adjusted too much binding occurs. I usually go 1/16 of a turn at a time and do lots of test driving.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 26
From: Middle Tn.
Had one lock up, better description than bind up, on a Firebird that I adjusted. Made a right hand turn and luckily had enough room to do a 180. You won't really feel it, my opinion, until it doesn't return. CAUTION!
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
From: VA
Just an update for everyone. I followed all of the steps for adjusting and when I got to the Allen head it would not budge. So before I did any damage I called it and put everything back together. I will be purchasing and installing a new steering gear (duralast). Are there any tips or tricks for this project? Special tools needed? Thank you again to all who have and will respond!
Tuned
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 360
Likes: 2
From: Greenville, SC
Just an update for everyone. I followed all of the steps for adjusting and when I got to the Allen head it would not budge. So before I did any damage I called it and put everything back together. I will be purchasing and installing a new steering gear (duralast). Are there any tips or tricks for this project? Special tools needed? Thank you again to all who have and will respond!
You're gonna need a pitman arm puller to get the arm off the gear (gear out and in a vice). I have OTC-6497 and it works great. You can also rent it for free at Autozone.
It should also work to get arm and inner drag link separated.
Good luck