Steering shaft
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Steering shaft
My 1990 F250 has sloppy steering, which comes from the steering shaft that runs from the firewall to the power steering gear box.
The shaft has a universal joint at one and and a 'flex' joint at the gearbox end. The shaft can 'split' in half and each end slides into the other. One end has a pair of slots in it, and I would expect there should be some kind of filler parts that hold each end of the shaft tightly together. But whatever should be there, it's gone. I was those slots and filler is so the shaft can collapse in case of a front end crash.
Question is: Can it be fixed without buying a new one. The business ends of the shaft is fine (the universal and flex are in good shape). The only thing wrong is the shaft is sloppy, which translates into about an 1/4 of a steering wheel turn when nothing happens! Not fun to drive!
Suggestions to repair? or?
The shaft has a universal joint at one and and a 'flex' joint at the gearbox end. The shaft can 'split' in half and each end slides into the other. One end has a pair of slots in it, and I would expect there should be some kind of filler parts that hold each end of the shaft tightly together. But whatever should be there, it's gone. I was those slots and filler is so the shaft can collapse in case of a front end crash.
Question is: Can it be fixed without buying a new one. The business ends of the shaft is fine (the universal and flex are in good shape). The only thing wrong is the shaft is sloppy, which translates into about an 1/4 of a steering wheel turn when nothing happens! Not fun to drive!
Suggestions to repair? or?
New User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Steering shaft
there is a bushing in there, I don't know if a new one can be had or not, I have the same problem with my 88.
I am going to check at my local ford dealer and see if they have replacements?
if not, I'm getting it welded
scott
I am going to check at my local ford dealer and see if they have replacements?
if not, I'm getting it welded
scott
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
Steering shaft
Thanks for your reply. I considered welding it,I'm a bit too cheap for that so I decided to try another similar approach.
I cut a rectangle of sheet metal the same length as the shaft, and wide enought to wrap around it once.
When I slid the two shaft ends together, with the 'sheet metal shim' inbetween, it took out the turning slop, but still allows it to slide shorter during a front end impact. Probably not the best solution, but cheaper than the $120.00 replacement cost that the local Ford dealar had. Plus the wait for the special order.
I test drove it, and now the 'free steering movment' is gone.
BTW, it just occured to me that welding it together probably won't work. In order to remove and replace the shaft, you have to be able to change it's length. If you weld it, you might not be able to get it back on.
I cut a rectangle of sheet metal the same length as the shaft, and wide enought to wrap around it once.
When I slid the two shaft ends together, with the 'sheet metal shim' inbetween, it took out the turning slop, but still allows it to slide shorter during a front end impact. Probably not the best solution, but cheaper than the $120.00 replacement cost that the local Ford dealar had. Plus the wait for the special order.
I test drove it, and now the 'free steering movment' is gone.
BTW, it just occured to me that welding it together probably won't work. In order to remove and replace the shaft, you have to be able to change it's length. If you weld it, you might not be able to get it back on.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Fish_Scientist
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
24
Jul 20, 2017 10:57 AM
shrekau
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
3
Mar 23, 2014 12:44 PM
GJBain
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
8
Oct 8, 2013 04:33 PM
1983F1503004x4
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Mar 5, 2013 11:57 AM
Daves94vert
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Mar 21, 2006 10:47 PM
