Too much play in steering
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Joined: Nov 2003
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Too much play in steering
Hey fellas, quick question....
Just bought an '86 Bronco with 100,000 miles on it. It's in great shape, but there is a lot of play in the steering. I can turn the steering wheel a lot in either direction without the wheels moving at all. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Just bought an '86 Bronco with 100,000 miles on it. It's in great shape, but there is a lot of play in the steering. I can turn the steering wheel a lot in either direction without the wheels moving at all. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
There are a few things to look at. Tierod ends, axle pivot bushings, ball joints and as a last resort the gearbox itself. I would lean more towards the rod ends first. Any signs of clunking or popping when you do hard-over steering maneuvers? (i.e. parking maneuvers) Thats a sure sign you have rod end or bushing problems.
You may get some responses that tell you to just adjust the sector shaft in the gearbox. Be very careful and make sure there is absolutely nothing else wrong before you attempt this. Running the sector shaft adjuster down into the gearbox can destroy a good steering gear if thats NOT the problem.
The best test is to have someone you trust turn the wheel while you watch the steering linkage under the truck. See which components move right away and which ones take more time to respond to the movements of the wheel. Good luck. If anything needs clarifying, let me know.
You may get some responses that tell you to just adjust the sector shaft in the gearbox. Be very careful and make sure there is absolutely nothing else wrong before you attempt this. Running the sector shaft adjuster down into the gearbox can destroy a good steering gear if thats NOT the problem.
The best test is to have someone you trust turn the wheel while you watch the steering linkage under the truck. See which components move right away and which ones take more time to respond to the movements of the wheel. Good luck. If anything needs clarifying, let me know.
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