Flex coupling for steering
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New User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Fayetteville
Flex coupling for steering
Chris
78 F150 2xcustom longbed
Just replaced the steering gear box for my F150, when I took off the flex coupling I noticed the splines that mate with the steering box shaft are worn almost 1/3 of the way around. I couldn't find this part to replace with new so went to some local salvage yards. I dismantled 3 other trucks and found the EXACT same smooth spot on the bracket. Anyone have any ideas? Is this thing designed this way, which I doubt? Is it critical enough I need to keep scrounging or am I alright and just replace the rubber portion and bolt back on? Appreciate any comments and if anyone has a spare one floating around not worn, let me know. Thanks
Chris
78 F150 2xcustom longbed
Just replaced the steering gear box for my F150, when I took off the flex coupling I noticed the splines that mate with the steering box shaft are worn almost 1/3 of the way around. I couldn't find this part to replace with new so went to some local salvage yards. I dismantled 3 other trucks and found the EXACT same smooth spot on the bracket. Anyone have any ideas? Is this thing designed this way, which I doubt? Is it critical enough I need to keep scrounging or am I alright and just replace the rubber portion and bolt back on? Appreciate any comments and if anyone has a spare one floating around not worn, let me know. Thanks
Chris
Lead Driver
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 5,371
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From: Palm Bay, Florida
Flex coupling for steering
Its been a while since I had mine apart, but I think that area is supoest to be smooth, is it square there?? if so its right that way, anyone else want to confirm??
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 73
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From: Omaha USA
Flex coupling for steering
I'm pretty sure it's supposed to be that way. Either way, if it isn't causing any problems, don't worry about it. Everything in that area kinda holds together pretty tight when bolted in. I think that you would immediately notice if the smooth spot were a problem.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Fayetteville
Flex coupling for steering
I agree, if it was too bad I'd notice pretty quick. The reason I'm replacing the steering gear and started most of this work was because of play in the steering. I could move the steering wheel a couple of inches without affecting the direction of the tires. I've replaced everything in the steering below the steering gear without affecting this play, so I figured I'd keep moving up. When I saw the smooth part on the flex coupling I wondered if this might be a result of some of that play.
Appreciate the comments, so far it doesn't sound like anything I need to be worried about or struggle to find a better replacement.
Thanks again
Chris
78 F150 2xcustom longbed
Appreciate the comments, so far it doesn't sound like anything I need to be worried about or struggle to find a better replacement.
Thanks again
Chris
78 F150 2xcustom longbed
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Omaha USA
Flex coupling for steering
I had a lot of play in my steering. Although I replaced the box for a completely different problem, I'm convinced that the play was eliminated by the replacement of that coupling (aka rag joint). Good luck.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 2,364
Likes: 3
From: Eustis FL
Flex coupling for steering
You may want to crawl under and have someone wiggle the steering wheel in both directions. Look for any parts moving that move without causing the wheels to turn. Could be outer or inner tie rod ends...
There is also an adjustment for the steering box, but it should only be adjusted by no more than a quarter turn, or you could wear out a gear.
Mark
Ford started it; Ford will finish it!
There is also an adjustment for the steering box, but it should only be adjusted by no more than a quarter turn, or you could wear out a gear.
Mark
Ford started it; Ford will finish it!
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