Steering Column Freeplay
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Trailering
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 15
Likes: 1
From: Sonoran Desert
Steering Column Freeplay
1978 Ford F100; inline six / 300 block w/one barrel carb
There's about six inches of wobble on the steering wheel/column. Not sure what's causing this or how to adjust it? I can turn the wheel about 120 degrees before it even starts to turn the rack/wheels. I think something is wrong with the steering gear box somehow? I honestly have no clue how to fix this.
There's about six inches of wobble on the steering wheel/column. Not sure what's causing this or how to adjust it? I can turn the wheel about 120 degrees before it even starts to turn the rack/wheels. I think something is wrong with the steering gear box somehow? I honestly have no clue how to fix this.
Desk Jockey
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 1,063
Likes: 423
From: Raleigh, NC
There are lots of causes to look into. Ultimately, it is probably the steering box and your tie rod ends. These are common places to start, but by no means a complete list.
Check out a few of the threads on FTE.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ng-causes.html
Check out a few of the threads on FTE.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ng-causes.html
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,150
Likes: 5,785
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
You do NOT have a "rack", that is a term used when a vehicle has a "rack and pinion" steering set up. Read up on that thread in the above link and do some inspections.
Wobble on the steering wheel itself is a sign of the upper and lower bearings be worn out, mostly the upper. Order a bearing and take it apart and replace it. There is a lower plastic cover. You can order a aftermarket bearing that will fix the play down there.
If the whole column itself is loose, check the 2 bolts that holds it to the dash. It should have a plastic cover over the 2 bolts. 4 screws hold it on, then it also snaps around the column.
For the play in the steering box itself. Inst the rag/flex joint between the steering shaft (coming out the fire wall) and the steering box input shaft. If it is good, then it sounds like a common worn out steering box. Replace it with a QUALITY one from Red Head Steering or Blue Top. NOT a local parts house one either.
Wobble on the steering wheel itself is a sign of the upper and lower bearings be worn out, mostly the upper. Order a bearing and take it apart and replace it. There is a lower plastic cover. You can order a aftermarket bearing that will fix the play down there.
If the whole column itself is loose, check the 2 bolts that holds it to the dash. It should have a plastic cover over the 2 bolts. 4 screws hold it on, then it also snaps around the column.
For the play in the steering box itself. Inst the rag/flex joint between the steering shaft (coming out the fire wall) and the steering box input shaft. If it is good, then it sounds like a common worn out steering box. Replace it with a QUALITY one from Red Head Steering or Blue Top. NOT a local parts house one either.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 219
From: Northwest
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,769
Likes: 2,590
From: The Shenandoah Valley
1978 Ford F100; inline six / 300 block w/one barrel carb
There's about six inches of wobble on the steering wheel/column. Not sure what's causing this or how to adjust it? I can turn the wheel about 120 degrees before it even starts to turn the rack/wheels. I think something is wrong with the steering gear box somehow? I honestly have no clue how to fix this.
There's about six inches of wobble on the steering wheel/column. Not sure what's causing this or how to adjust it? I can turn the wheel about 120 degrees before it even starts to turn the rack/wheels. I think something is wrong with the steering gear box somehow? I honestly have no clue how to fix this.
Just an idea here, but put a pair of gloves on and lay in front of the truck parked with wheels straight ahead ... so that you are looking at the steering linkage, tie rod ends, drag link. Have a friend, wife, GF, SO, etc ... sit in the cab and rotate the steering wheel through this free play zone, back and forth. Note what doesn't move.
After getting a look, place a gloved hand in safe positions to feel for any movement between suspect parts at various ball type joints like at tie rod ends, drag link, pitman arm. Engine is off. You are looking for lost motion, to answer the question ... "why the wheels aren't turning right vs left while the steering wheel is."
Mountain Pass
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 226
Likes: 83
From: South East Kansas
Lots of possibilities here. Probably worn parts, with its age and miles.
Start by having some one shake the steering wheel and see where the play or lost motion is coming from.
Could be in the tie rods, drag link or even king pins. Also there is a damper screw on the top of the steering box that has a lock nut.
The lock nut can be loosened and the slotted screw turned clock wise. The slotted screw has to be held with a large screw driver, while the nut is snugged up.
This can take some of the lost motion out of the box, but be careful not to over tighten it.
Start by having some one shake the steering wheel and see where the play or lost motion is coming from.
Could be in the tie rods, drag link or even king pins. Also there is a damper screw on the top of the steering box that has a lock nut.
The lock nut can be loosened and the slotted screw turned clock wise. The slotted screw has to be held with a large screw driver, while the nut is snugged up.
This can take some of the lost motion out of the box, but be careful not to over tighten it.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,664
Likes: 219
From: Northwest
Lots of possibilities here. Probably worn parts, with its age and miles.
Start by having some one shake the steering wheel and see where the play or lost motion is coming from.
Could be in the tie rods, drag link or even king pins. Also there is a damper screw on the top of the steering box that has a lock nut.
The lock nut can be loosened and the slotted screw turned clock wise. The slotted screw has to be held with a large screw driver, while the nut is snugged up.
This can take some of the lost motion out of the box, but be careful not to over tighten it.
Start by having some one shake the steering wheel and see where the play or lost motion is coming from.
Could be in the tie rods, drag link or even king pins. Also there is a damper screw on the top of the steering box that has a lock nut.
The lock nut can be loosened and the slotted screw turned clock wise. The slotted screw has to be held with a large screw driver, while the nut is snugged up.
This can take some of the lost motion out of the box, but be careful not to over tighten it.
Best to try that trick with the steering wheel turned one way or the other to where is is locked at the end of the stroke.
Tightening that adjustment with the wheels straight is where most of the wear is. Snugging it there will jam it when it is turned to the end of it's stroke.
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Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,769
Likes: 2,590
From: The Shenandoah Valley
Lots of possibilities here. Probably worn parts, with its age and miles.
Start by having some one shake the steering wheel and see where the play or lost motion is coming from.
Could be in the tie rods, drag link or even king pins. Also there is a damper screw on the top of the steering box that has a lock nut.
The lock nut can be loosened and the slotted screw turned clock wise. The slotted screw has to be held with a large screw driver, while the nut is snugged up.
This can take some of the lost motion out of the box, but be careful not to over tighten it.
Start by having some one shake the steering wheel and see where the play or lost motion is coming from.
Could be in the tie rods, drag link or even king pins. Also there is a damper screw on the top of the steering box that has a lock nut.
The lock nut can be loosened and the slotted screw turned clock wise. The slotted screw has to be held with a large screw driver, while the nut is snugged up.
This can take some of the lost motion out of the box, but be careful not to over tighten it.
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