Steering box
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
Steering box
I have a 1993 Bronco which has sloppy steering. I had a front end alingment and was told of no problems with the front end. I just replaced the steering box with a rebuilt from ford. When I got the truck back it was a little better but not by much. The truck has 33" tires which at slow speeds wanders. At high speed the truck is much better. I have also replaced upper and lower ball joints. Could someone please tell me what else might be causing the problem?
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
From: Hoboken, NJ...
Ok......on the top of your steering gear box there is a sector shaft adjusting bolt....I think thats what they call it. You need to loosen the lock nut and then turn the screw/bolt to the right until you take most of the play out (out of the steering wheel that is.....NOT the adjusting bolt). DO NOT.....go to far with it......you will know that you have gone too far if after you make a turn the wheel dont want to come back to center on its own.
I would start with 1/2 a turn on the adjusting bolt.....lock it back down and drive it.....if that is not enough.....go another half turn, and try that.....and so on.....and so on. Let us know how you make out....... JUST REMEMBER.....you dont want it too tight/too far.
I would start with 1/2 a turn on the adjusting bolt.....lock it back down and drive it.....if that is not enough.....go another half turn, and try that.....and so on.....and so on. Let us know how you make out....... JUST REMEMBER.....you dont want it too tight/too far.
Last edited by Streetgang; May 2, 2005 at 10:37 PM. Reason: he needed it.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
From: Hoboken, NJ...
Well......I would look at all other possibility's first.....check your rag joint (toward the bottom of the steering shaft), and any other place that there could be play in the shaft could be a u-joint on there. Anyhow if you can move the steering wheel back and forth more than a inch or so before the front wheels move there are only two or three places that could be worn. If the shaft feels/looks solid.....then yes, I would adjust the gear box.
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
I know you posted that the front end was given a clean bill of health but were the axle pivot and radius arm bushings checked along with rod ends. ALL of these items can contribute to a sloppy steering situation.
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 2
From: Lynnwood, WA
If the steering box was just replaced, check out everything else before adjusting it. And if you do adjust it, go in no bigger than 1/4 turn steps.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
From: Hoboken, NJ...
rad arm bushings will not cause left to right play in the steering wheel.
If when the truck is sitting still and running you can move the steering wheel more than a inch or two (I can look up the exact specs and procedure to get it with in them, but I am too lazy and they are very detailed) it needs to be corrected. You need to see where the "play" is coming from......there are not all that many places.....either the u-joint or rag joint (not sure what you have), steering gear box itself, steering gear box adjustment.....thats above the pitman arm.....below the pitman arm you have a few things that could do it, but these are very easily spotted.
Have someone turn the wheel while you go under the truck and see where the play is.........if I had to bet, I would say the sector shaft needs to be adjusted.
Its not the radius arm bushings.......
If when the truck is sitting still and running you can move the steering wheel more than a inch or two (I can look up the exact specs and procedure to get it with in them, but I am too lazy and they are very detailed) it needs to be corrected. You need to see where the "play" is coming from......there are not all that many places.....either the u-joint or rag joint (not sure what you have), steering gear box itself, steering gear box adjustment.....thats above the pitman arm.....below the pitman arm you have a few things that could do it, but these are very easily spotted.
Have someone turn the wheel while you go under the truck and see where the play is.........if I had to bet, I would say the sector shaft needs to be adjusted.
Its not the radius arm bushings.......