Loose steering - advice needed
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Joined: Oct 2004
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Loose steering - advice needed
Have a 1990 E350 Club Wagon van with lots of steering freeplay.
I've already replaced the steering box with a rebuilt item due to a hydraulic failure. It made absolutely no difference to the freeplay. The steering box came with explicit instructions NOT to adjust it and, it being rebuilt, I have no intention of doing so.
What other areas of wear are MOST LIKELY to be causing the vague steering? I'm sure there's someone out there who has encountered and fixed this problem. Budget is a big factor so I need to know the most likely problematic area and attack it.
Thanks,
Waz
I've already replaced the steering box with a rebuilt item due to a hydraulic failure. It made absolutely no difference to the freeplay. The steering box came with explicit instructions NOT to adjust it and, it being rebuilt, I have no intention of doing so.
What other areas of wear are MOST LIKELY to be causing the vague steering? I'm sure there's someone out there who has encountered and fixed this problem. Budget is a big factor so I need to know the most likely problematic area and attack it.
Thanks,
Waz
Super Moderator
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 34,475
Likes: 2,800
Check the links in the steering linkage. Tie rod ends, the cross bar from the steering box, everywhere the linkage pivots. One loose item will cause the wander, a couple will be worse.
Check the steering column too, especially the break away or rag joint.
Check the steering column too, especially the break away or rag joint.
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,140
Likes: 4
From: Oak Harbor, OH
In 1990 they used king pins. You need to take it to an alignement shop. I'm willing to bet that someone set it to factory specs. With the geometry on those front ends that is the wrong setting after a few thousand miles. Also what kind of tires are on it? You can try to add some toe-in to see if you can tighten it up a little. Does it feel like you're driving on marbles?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,292
Likes: 5
From: NJ where fun comes to die
I have a 90 E350. Same symptoms. Feels like driving on marbles. Drifts back and forth. I looked underneath and everything looks a little loose. I got a price from NAPA for both parts of the tie rod including the ends. Just over $300.00. I'm still checking prices, but I have to do it soon. I just hope it is not the king pins too.
