Steering Play
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New User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 15
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From: Lexington, Ky
Steering Play
I just had my 94 F150 4X4 aligned and new tires installed. It still has too much play in the steering. It has 140,000 miles on it. The tire shop said that none of the parts were worn. That was surprising since they sell the stuff. Any ideas? Is there an adjustment on the steering gear box?
Thanks
Thanks
______
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 516
Likes: 1
From: Upstate NY
Yes you can adjust your steering box. There is a time consuming way that the shop manuals tell you about that involves removing the pitman arm and using a torque wrench. While adjusting the screw on top of the box. I just tightened the screw down untill it bottomed and then backed it out about 1/2 to 3/4 of a turn. I then drove it. It was to tight so I backed it out 1/4 a turn at a time and drove it between each time to see how it felt. It took 2 or 3 times before i got it where i thought it felt right.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 401
Likes: 9
From: Brighton, IL
I screwed one up big time and had to replace the whole box. It was a chevy and I had a spare but what a PITA. It locked up and I had to change it or tow it. Good luck.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Colorado, U.S.A!
Originally Posted by HardScrabble
Read the book before you adjust the screw. It is not what you think it is.
New User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 10
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From: visalia, CA
Originally Posted by HardScrabble
Read the book before you adjust the screw. It is not what you think it is.
The "screw" is the meshload, sector shaft adjusting screw.
Even the Haynes manual says that the correct adjustment of the screw and the worm gear preload can majorly reduce the play in the steering wheel.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,292
Likes: 5
From: NJ where fun comes to die
Mine is on the top side of the box. It has a lock nut around it. Straighten your wheels before you start. Jt's method sounds right. I have done it on three trucks with no problem. Do not make it too tight. Good luck
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,292
Likes: 5
From: NJ where fun comes to die
The steering box is the large thing at the bottom end of the steering column. There are gears in it, and if you have power steering there are hoses coming out of it. The adjustment is on the side facing up.
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