Loose steering
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 835
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From: Fort Rucker, AL
Loose steering
I have a 69 F-100 with the manual steering. I've tightened all that I can on the gearbox but the steering is still loose. Also when I'm driving, if I hit a bump or hole, it seems that the front end will just take off in a direction and I have to correct quickly. Are they related? Is it bushings? Shocks? Talk to me. I am planning of buying shocks this weekend, what is best for what I have (2wd)?
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,613
Likes: 6
From: Coal country
You need to check a lot of things. Your steering sounds very dangerous to me.
1. Rag joint, as mentioned, is the fabric coupler between the bottom of the steering column and the top of the steering gearbox. Make sure it isn't torn or loose.
2. Tie rods - this includes the inner and outer tie rods, as well as the drag link. Grab each joint and check it for play. They should be at the most just loose enough to slide a bit, but not sloppy.
4. King pins - these do wear out, so check them just as you would a ball joint.
If lubricating any of these seems to temporarily fix the problem, then you need to start replacing worn out parts.
5. Don't forget an alignment either. If you aren't sure about checking the parts, most places will gladly check your front end out for you for free, and not do the alignment if the parts are worn.
1. Rag joint, as mentioned, is the fabric coupler between the bottom of the steering column and the top of the steering gearbox. Make sure it isn't torn or loose.
2. Tie rods - this includes the inner and outer tie rods, as well as the drag link. Grab each joint and check it for play. They should be at the most just loose enough to slide a bit, but not sloppy.
4. King pins - these do wear out, so check them just as you would a ball joint.
If lubricating any of these seems to temporarily fix the problem, then you need to start replacing worn out parts.
5. Don't forget an alignment either. If you aren't sure about checking the parts, most places will gladly check your front end out for you for free, and not do the alignment if the parts are worn.
Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 835
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From: Fort Rucker, AL
Okay, I've got it. I think I may have stated the problem in too simple of terms, she doesn't swerve all over the road but there is a noticeable shift when I hit a bump or hole. I haven't actually put hands on the joints but I've lubed them and they seem tight. I'll get dirty hands with that this weekend. Is there anything inside the gear box I could concern myself with, I know about the adjustment on the top.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
From: Bridgeville,CA
I replaced everything except the gearbox on the front end of my 69 F100 without fixing the looseness. When I was towing 10-1400 pounds I couldn't get over 45-55 without a sway starting. I finally broke down and replaced the gearbox. It was the best $400 dollars I have spent. I wish I had replaced it to start with.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
I replaced everthing up front with new or rebuilt parts (rebuilt Bendix steering box, new tie rods/end/bushings), except the rag joint. My truck still had loose steering. I finally replaced the rag joint and it's all better :-)
I'd start there.
I'd start there.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 85
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From: Illinios
I've got the same problem with my truck with it jumping side to side when I hit a bump. The guy that had my truck before me swapped the 390 for a 351c. Considerable weight differance 150lbs, so there is not enough weight on the springs to straighten the front end out. I am thinking about swapping the 390 style springs for some spring out of a 300 truck. Hopefully this will help correct my alignment problem and quit chewing up my front tires. But when I pull a part the front end I am going to check out everything from tie rods, drag links and king pins, i replaced the bearings on both sides a while back about last year and i didn't notice any slack in the pins then but ill check them again. I have noticed though i am about 2-3 inches off slack in the steering before the wheels actually turn. Is this the rag joint?
thanks
Steve
thanks
Steve
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Thread Starter
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Fort Rucker, AL
My truck also has about 3 inches of slack and I've grown to accept that as a product of manual steering. Also, my truck started out with a 360 (according to the VIN) and now has a 390 so my weight went up a few pounds so I don't think my issue is weight on the front end. I think my gearbox is loose on the inside.
My rag joint seems fine but does that matter? Could it still need replaced?
My rag joint seems fine but does that matter? Could it still need replaced?
Last edited by debestuss; Mar 12, 2004 at 02:50 PM.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
My old 71 did that as well....all of a sudden the wheel would vibrate like......If I jerked the wheel rapidly it would stop....this was years ago...and I don't drive it too much since fixin' it back up. I thought the tires might have something to do with it...a used set of steel-belted radials seemed to help...but like I said, that was years ago...
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
My truck acted exactly as you discribed. Got underneath and grabbed ahold of the steering linkage and twisted, the darn thing had about three qurters of an inch play. Replaced all of the steering linkage (tie rods etc.) and the Radius arm bushing. No more problem. I have yet to replace the king pins though.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
I bought one of these generic "Help" brand rag joints at a local store. It was about $7 for a kit.
You have to grind off the rivets that hold the old one together and replace with bolts included in the kit. But, that is what is intended.
It takes some work. but it made all of the difference for me.
You have to grind off the rivets that hold the old one together and replace with bolts included in the kit. But, that is what is intended.
It takes some work. but it made all of the difference for me.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: Oceanway
Originally posted by banjopicker66
You need to check a lot of things. Your steering sounds very dangerous to me.
1. Rag joint, as mentioned, is the fabric coupler between the bottom of the steering column and the top of the steering gearbox. Make sure it isn't torn or loose.
2. Tie rods - this includes the inner and outer tie rods, as well as the drag link. Grab each joint and check it for play. They should be at the most just loose enough to slide a bit, but not sloppy.
4. King pins - these do wear out, so check them just as you would a ball joint.
If lubricating any of these seems to temporarily fix the problem, then you need to start replacing worn out parts.
5. Don't forget an alignment either. If you aren't sure about checking the parts, most places will gladly check your front end out for you for free, and not do the alignment if the parts are worn.
You need to check a lot of things. Your steering sounds very dangerous to me.
1. Rag joint, as mentioned, is the fabric coupler between the bottom of the steering column and the top of the steering gearbox. Make sure it isn't torn or loose.
2. Tie rods - this includes the inner and outer tie rods, as well as the drag link. Grab each joint and check it for play. They should be at the most just loose enough to slide a bit, but not sloppy.
4. King pins - these do wear out, so check them just as you would a ball joint.
If lubricating any of these seems to temporarily fix the problem, then you need to start replacing worn out parts.
5. Don't forget an alignment either. If you aren't sure about checking the parts, most places will gladly check your front end out for you for free, and not do the alignment if the parts are worn.
