86 250 steering problem
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 32
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From: gainesville ga
86 250 steering problem
hey guys please help me not replace my entire front end. problem is the truck will not return to start after turning or going through a curve. it steers easily into and easily out,but it does have to be steered back straight. i've replaced inner and outer tie rods because they were worn out mostly where draglink connects to pittman arm. i can't grease bottom fitting on either kingpin. could this be a problem caused by binding or is it my steering box or maybe something else? thanks
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 71
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From: East Tenn.
It's the "Caster" adjustment on the alignment thats supposed to bring the wheels back straight. You need an alignment at a reputable place. I say this because I've seen some that will go through the motions and maybe do a little toe-in adjustment and say its good.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 32
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From: gainesville ga
i looked at the radius arm bushings. the bushings looked to be in good shape but looks like ther's a good amount of space in between bushings and frame hanger. is that nomal or should they be snug.
FTE Legend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 53,932
Likes: 2,381
From: NY and VA
If you can't get grease to the kingpin it might be "frozen" try another fitting. If grease wont go in you might have to replace kingpin. If you unhook the tie rods again and try to turn the wheel it will also give you a good indication of what is wrong.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Niceville, FL.
You really have to take off the radius arm nut, washer, and rear rubber bushing to see. Mine were so worn they were allowing the arm to rub on the bracket but you couldn't tell from the outside. If radius arm bushings are bad then likely so are the pivot bushings. There are some good posts on changing bushings without removing brackets. Search this Forum. Get heavy duty plastic or hard rubber replacements.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2005
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From: gainesville ga
thankyou for your responses. sounds like some of these things are out of my league. i think i'll take it to a proffesional.
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Sometimes grease nipples can get frozen. Turning them out with a wrench, and pushing some grease through them can help free that issue up. Taking the weight off the front end via a jack can also ease the pain, especially if greasing has been neglected for a while. Greasing with every oil change, or once a month will alleviate this issue. To much grease isn't an issue, not enough will turn into one in a very short period of time.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2005
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From: gainesville ga
yes i'm a regular greaser unfortunatly the previous owner was not. i've tried a new fitting, tried cleaning with a screwdriver in the hole lightly. somebody suggested penetrating oil. by the way the top fitting baccepts grease fine. will the grease make it's way down or is it seperated?
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