Odd steering question

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Apr 21, 2004 | 01:04 PM

BroncShane

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Joined: Feb 2004

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Odd steering question

I am hoping somebody can help me... I have a 90 Eddie Bauer that steers really odd. Basicly the truck will not center. I.E. If you turn the wheel to pass and relese the wheel the truck will continue on at an angle rather than come back straight.

Is this due to the steering box? I know there is an adjustment screw on the top, but don't want to mess with it if it is something else.

Thanks in advance for your help.

BroncShane

Apr 21, 2004 | 02:24 PM

WhëëlMå1

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Joined: Oct 2002

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From: MA

When was the last time you checked your ball joints? I know all of mine were frozen, and caused a real nasty steering condition similar to yours.

Rich

Apr 21, 2004 | 08:21 PM

broncobob

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Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 153

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From: NW Ohio

Has it always been like this? I had a 83 that had stiff steering when I bought it, found that the previous owner had tightened the adjustment on the steering gearbox to cover up the worn tie rod ends. Replaced the rod ends, got it re-aligned and the gearbox adjusted properly, and all was well. If it is something that came on over time, and no one has messed with the gearbox, I'd say either ball joints or something binding in the linkage.

Apr 21, 2004 | 09:25 PM

ddfunnyfarm

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Joined: May 2003

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From: Fernandina Beach, FL

adjust sterring box as per shop manuel.... diconnect pitman arm, turn steering wheel to the left, measure torque with inch pound torque wrench(turning to the right approx 20 degrees) Turn wheel to center, adjust mesh gear until there is 14 to 18 in/lbs more drag on wrench. I think it would be best to get the correct shop manuel and have it handy... it does make a large difference if it has been done correctly or just tightend till it feels right...

Apr 21, 2004 | 09:47 PM

gman88

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Joined: Jan 2004

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From: Minneapolis, MN

I had the same problem with my 84 Ranger. Turned out to be frozen U-Joints on the front drive axles. After tearing down and replacing the joints the steering returned to normal, felt just like driving a new truck. Keep in mind that these joints need to rotate freely when turning even if the hubs are not engaged. I am currently in the process of rebuilding the entire front end of my Bronco U-Joints, ball joints, axle pivot bushings, radius arm bushings.

Apr 22, 2004 | 07:09 AM

fcarruth

Elder User

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 573

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From: Medina, Tn.

I adjusted my steering box like ddfunnyfarm said and took care of my problem.

Good luck.

Apr 22, 2004 | 09:39 AM

ddfunnyfarm

Freshman User

Joined: May 2003

Posts: 34

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From: Fernandina Beach, FL

Gman88's point is also a very good possibility. With our Bronco, we were going nuts, because it was almost becoming too dangerous to drive the truck. We had gone through the front-end suspension and replaced all of the tires, but the problem just kept getting worse. Finally, my husband(who wrote the previous reply) and another tech from Ford(been working on them forever) figured out that it had to be the steering box. Once we adjusted it to correct specs, the truck drove like brand new.

Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

-Di