Sloppy Steering Question
New User
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: SLC
Sloppy Steering Question
As of late I have noticed that my steering is getting erratic. I tend to wander alot more than I used to and it kind of scares me going down the freeway at 70 mph. 
MRROTTNDOG or YETI, have you guys had this problem with your lift? Could it be my ball joints going bad or should I firm up my stabilizer with a little more (have a Rancho RS5000 right now).... Any help would be great.
MRROTTNDOG or YETI, have you guys had this problem with your lift? Could it be my ball joints going bad or should I firm up my stabilizer with a little more (have a Rancho RS5000 right now).... Any help would be great. 
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: san diego usa
Sloppy Steering Question
Some people have noticed that their steering boxes were fairly loose, even on newer trucks. They describe "sloppy steering" and wandering.
Basically if you look at the steering box, there's a allen head bolt with a locknut on it. That's the sector/worm preload adjustment. You loosen the lock nut, and adjust the bolt (4.5 mm allen, I think) to spec.
They recommend disabling the airbag and removing the steering wheel cover to access the bolt that holds the wheel on. That way you can put a torque wrench right on the bolt. Disconnect the drag link from the pitman arm, make sure the steering is pointing straight ahead, turn the engine off, and check the torque at the steering wheel with an inch-pound wrench. It should be between 13 to 18 inch-lbs. Turn the adjusting bolt in small increments. Cycle the steering wheel, and recheck the torque at the straight ahead position.
Don't know if this is causing your problem, but it's worth a shot to check.
Basically if you look at the steering box, there's a allen head bolt with a locknut on it. That's the sector/worm preload adjustment. You loosen the lock nut, and adjust the bolt (4.5 mm allen, I think) to spec.
They recommend disabling the airbag and removing the steering wheel cover to access the bolt that holds the wheel on. That way you can put a torque wrench right on the bolt. Disconnect the drag link from the pitman arm, make sure the steering is pointing straight ahead, turn the engine off, and check the torque at the steering wheel with an inch-pound wrench. It should be between 13 to 18 inch-lbs. Turn the adjusting bolt in small increments. Cycle the steering wheel, and recheck the torque at the straight ahead position.
Don't know if this is causing your problem, but it's worth a shot to check.
