lots of play in stering wheel
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lots of play in stering wheel
hey guys
i got a question ive got a 1980 F-100 custom with a lot of extra play in the wheel . what is it??? is it the tie rod ends worn out or some thing else.
please help
THANKS
i got a question ive got a 1980 F-100 custom with a lot of extra play in the wheel . what is it??? is it the tie rod ends worn out or some thing else.
please help
THANKS
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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yes the steering boxes are usually the problem there is an adjustment on the front of the box for it its a stud that sticks up and there is a 5/8 inch nut that holds it in place loosen that nut and turn the adjustment stud with a flat blade screw driver clockwise a few turns then drive it see if how many times you turned it tookup the play if not adjust it some more if it finally bottoms out and still isnt up to what you want it then your box is worn out completely you can get a fully rebuild one from napa for 150 or a 160 dollars with your old box as a core thats what i did mine had some play but it also leaked and i figured why replace seals and still have a worn out box so i just got a replacement one now my steering is much better
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From: Oregon
the reason I have slop in my steering is from the big crack on the frame rail right behind where the steering box mounts. the torque from the steering box caused it to crack. it moves the frame about and inch when I wobble the steering wheel.
that and worn steering components.
that and worn steering components.
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Hey F 2Fitfter,
When I adjusted mine it didn't want to return to center after a turn. It was like the adjustment screw was casuing it to hold the turn. I ended up loosening it a little at a time until it was back where it started. I recently replaced all the seals in my steering box. While in it I inspected it as closely as possible and while it didn't look warn, I guess it could be a little. But how much wear would result in a 15 degree slop value?
When I adjusted mine it didn't want to return to center after a turn. It was like the adjustment screw was casuing it to hold the turn. I ended up loosening it a little at a time until it was back where it started. I recently replaced all the seals in my steering box. While in it I inspected it as closely as possible and while it didn't look warn, I guess it could be a little. But how much wear would result in a 15 degree slop value?
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Joined: Dec 2003
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yeah thats one problem even new fords have none ever want to return straight freinds got a 99 power stroke and his truck never wants to be where the wheels are straight either for awhile mine was so sensitve one movemenet and it would go to that way with the new rebuild box it dosent have this problem as bad plus im used to it now
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Give me coffee - Or beer!
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From: Who cares?
I'm used to the slop. I don't even notice unless I stop to thiink about it. There was a time I wanted it to steer like a sports car. You know real tight and responsive. I find it a lot better when backing a trailer to have the smooth turning I have, so no more dreams of sports cars.
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From: Fraziers Bottom, WV
The 80-86 have several issues that cause "loose steering" and wondering.
The steering box gears.
The vibration dampner at the steering box.
The steering knuckle at the fire fall.
Steering box loose from the frame and I have known of frame breaks at the box.
Pivot bushings.
Ball joints and tie rod ends.
Any 1 or combination of these can cause "play" in the steering wheel.
Some of these manifest themselfs as free play in the wheel when not in motion. Others feel as if there is free play when driving!
You may have both if enough parts are warn.
The steering box gears.
The vibration dampner at the steering box.
The steering knuckle at the fire fall.
Steering box loose from the frame and I have known of frame breaks at the box.
Pivot bushings.
Ball joints and tie rod ends.
Any 1 or combination of these can cause "play" in the steering wheel.
Some of these manifest themselfs as free play in the wheel when not in motion. Others feel as if there is free play when driving!
You may have both if enough parts are warn.
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