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Hello all. I've got a very sloppy steering issue, I know there are other threads that talk about this but they haven't helped me much. I'm trying to figure out how to know if the steering shaft needs to be replaced and how do I know if I have tightened the box too much. I've done ball joints I'm going to be replacing all tie rods now. I appreciate any help, Thanks.
Thanks for the reply, its a 2000, V10 158k. shocks are new tires are good. I'm not sure about the shaft haven't really inspected it, coworker insists that this is the problem though lol. I honestly don't know if its been adjusted but I believe it has because when I took it to get the power steering pump replaced, they said they fixed a little bit of play but its still terrible. so I don't know if I should adjust it or find some parts to replace to try to get this solved. I'm probably going to replace the idler arm as well, its frustrating not being able to find out what it is. I got the box replaced about a year ago so I don't want to over tighten it and ruin it so I'm a little worried about that.
Start with replacing all those tie rods. Then if still sloppy...
2WD parts might be a bit different, not certain.
try and tighten the steering box gear. It made a big difference when I did mine.
The key to not overtightening is taking your time. Loosen the lock bolt, tighten the adjuster bolt 1/2 or 1/4 turn then lock it down again. Drive it to see any difference in slop. Repeat 5-6 times until it’s is noticeably improved. If suddenly too tight, back it off your last distance and you’ll have adjusted it as well as possible.
Let us know if you need pics.
I also assumed ball joints are not loose and worn?
Originally Posted by Stewart_H
Yes.
Here are the instructions for you:
Locate the allen head bolt and locknut on top of the steering box (close to the radiator). I believe the locknut is 5/8".
Mark the allen bolt so you can tell the orientation that you started from and then loosen the locknut.
Turn the allen bolt clockwise a quarter turn to tighten the gear mesh. Tighten the locknut back up and take her for a spin.
In reading posts by others who have done this, the allen bolt seems to get turned somewhere between 3/4'rs and 1 & 1/2 times before people are happy with the results.
Be careful, because if you over tighten the steering may be so tight as to get extremely stiff on a tight turn, causing you to veer off course.
Repeat the tighten and test drive until you're satisfied with the performance.
If you over tighten, turn back the allen bolt a quarter turn counter clockwise.
There is a risk of over tightening the box and causing it to wear out prematurely, so I tightened it to the point where the slop was gone, and no further.
do not focus on any one part, that is almost never the case. needs to be looked at as system wide issue
if one part is worn to the point if being sloppy then so is everything connected to that part.
there is a specification and tolerance for every single part in your steering system as well as a correct way to accurately measure those parts. there is also a DIY hack method to get a good idea. or you can just the shotgun approach of replacing parts until it goes away.
but don't forget worn parts are just one cause, alignment is a huge contributing factor as are your tires and tire pressure. and because it is a Excursion we cant leave out the suspension as being a common culprit.
I've had the same experience with muh 01 F150 4x4 with 1/4 million miles on her. Ordered a complete rebuild kit along with all the other bushings not included like lower control arm bushings & shocks etc. Everything, I mean everything is new even the tires along with a 20-ton press to squish in new bushings. WELP...it still pulls left after two alignments and impossible to keep straight down the road. I tighten the steering box gear over several drive tests returning for more & more adjustments. Maybe a total of 4 "half" turns on the bolt only got me to a tighter steer with more & exaggerated problems.
Wife then helped wiggle the steering wheel while I looked under the truck & under the hood for shaft & arm movement. Then I grabbed the steering shaft itself and twisted it finding a lot of play. Where the shaft connects to the steering gear box has a plastic cover at that part making it impossible to see the universal joint between the shaft & box. This is where I believe all the play is in the steering components. Found this replacement shaft new for $130 and also ordered column shifter bushings since the entire steering shaft would be taken all apart & replaced. This is going to be a real fun project to tackle.
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