Play in the steering
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Play in the steering
Hey all, I have a 71 F100 w/360. I put new 31" tires on it, and it's really brought out the play in the steering wheel. I think there's a problem when you turn the wheel 3" either direction and nothing happens. I think the tires have just as much play, so as i hit bumps and holes, the truck just kinda goes where it wants. I took a look, and I can not see a steering stabilizer there. Course, I don't know anything about steering yet, this is another learning experience.
I was wondering if the stabilizer would fix it, or if i should go ahead and do the whole gear box too?
Also, when i turn the wheel, it sounds almost like bubbles in the column at certain points. It happens all the time at certain angles/speeds of turning. Wondering if that's the PS pump.
Travis
I was wondering if the stabilizer would fix it, or if i should go ahead and do the whole gear box too?
Also, when i turn the wheel, it sounds almost like bubbles in the column at certain points. It happens all the time at certain angles/speeds of turning. Wondering if that's the PS pump.
Travis
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 731
Likes: 0
From: in the springs
if you have ps on the truck if the pump is going bad it should be extremely hard to steer. if the gear box is going out there shouldbe a lot of bubbles /hissing noise out of the pump. if you put larger tires on and it started doing the shake check the ball joints or kingpins .
Junior User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Like fritolay said check those kingpins. I 've spent close to $400.00 replacing all of my steering components including the kingpins. Guy's like Bigric and Freightrain seem to be the experts in this area. If you scroll through this forum you will see the Kingpin topic being discussed. These Ford trucks are well known for Its twin I beam suspension. Good luck
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 21
From: Texas
I went through everything before replacing the rag joing. That made the biggest difference in my project. I've got new tie rods, a rebuilt steering gear and a rebuilt pump. That rag joing made the difference...$8 and a little bit of cussing and and some bruised knuckles.
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,592
Likes: 10
From: **** hole San Jose ca.
Also check the wheel bearing end play. There's and adjustment for the End play on the steeing Box. Some types have like a 5/16'' bolt with a 1/4'' hex socket head with a lock Nut. Others have a slot for a screwdriver with a Lock Nut. To adjust for less play turn in a little at a Time as your turn the wheel rag joint until you have all the play Out. Note don't over tighten this screw Becaues when you turn a corner your steering wheel will Not return to straight and this would really be Unsafe. My 2cents
orich
orich
