I have an E350 Econoline van (135,000 miles) that has had loose steering since I purchased it in 94'. It has recently become much worse.

I've replaced the power steering pump and hoses that were leaking very badly and starting to make a noise (leaking and noise now gone but still have loud crackling (like metal grinding on metal) when turning the steering wheel, think it is in the steering linkage), replaced the shocks but thats it as far as the steering/suspension goes.

The front passenger side tire is wearing very badly on the outside

Do I need to replace the steering linkage or just some of the parts or could it be something else?

Thanks for your help? I can fix most anything myself once I know what it is, knowing what to fix is another question.

Kim

 

Get under there and have someone turn the steering wheel back and forth and see if there appears to be slop in the linkage. Grab the linkage parts and see if they're loose. Check the wheel bearings. Maybe the steering box is shot. Might get the alignment checked...

 

I have narrowed this problem down to the "steering shaft flange and flex coupling", question is how difficult are these to change for the average do it yourselfer?

Looks like I need to drop the steering gear to do this, is that correct? If so do I need to bleed the PS pump? Is there anything here that I really need to be careful with or that is really difficult?

Their is a lot of play here when the flange moves before it makes contact with the pins on either side and starts the wheels a turning. Looks like the pins are worn about 1/4 on each side or about 1/2 way through and the flange opening on both sides appear worn so they are bigger than they should be.

Thanks for your help

Kim

 

Check the manual under "steering column". Don't think you need to drop the gear. I don't think those pins are supposed to be contacting the cutouts, they are safety pins.

 

you need to have lower ball joints checked also

 

Finally found out it is the rag joint. Looks like I do need to drop the steering gear to slide it on the gear shaft and then connect to the steering shaft.

Thanks for all your help!

 

Let us know how it works out!

 

you don't have to move the stearing box to change it. I can't remember how I did it, but I know I did it in the street at a friends house, it wasn't a big deal.

 

91, was that the last of the king pins?

 

Yes this year still has the kingpins.

Alas the rag joint has been changed out, I finished it up yesterday, yes I did have to drop the steering gear slightly. No more loosey goosey steering, it's as tight as my............ never mind I think you get my drift.

Thanks boyz, it's all straight as an arrow now for me.