How Do I Remove Steering Wheel Play?
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Ousley, GA
How Do I Remove Steering Wheel Play?
How do I remove the the steering wheel play on my '76 F150. It's power steering (Saginaw) and has a couple inches of play each way before I feel the wheels actually turn (loose a couple of inches stationary as well). New PS pump - steering is easy and smooth except for the play.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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First you have to figure out where it's loose. The easiest way is to get a helper to move the steering wheel back and forth while you look at different parts of the steeing linkage and see where the slop is. Then replace those parts. Simple isn't it.
Places to look:
Base of steering column, Rag joint-2WD U-joint 4X4
Pitman arm,
Ball joints
Siezed king pin
Loose steering box mount/cracked frame
If all those check out ok, then and only then think about adjusting the steering box. But check those other things first.
Places to look:
Base of steering column, Rag joint-2WD U-joint 4X4
Pitman arm,
Ball joints
Siezed king pin
Loose steering box mount/cracked frame
If all those check out ok, then and only then think about adjusting the steering box. But check those other things first.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Ousley, GA
Thanks for the tips. I wasn't sure what I should be looking at first and your list makes good sense. My "guess" is that the rag joint is going to be the problem. Hope it really is that simple.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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That was my first guess as well. The steering box really should not be adjusted except as a last resort.
If the king pins are seized or bad it can make the truck wander as well. Not something I would think of on my own.
If the king pins are seized or bad it can make the truck wander as well. Not something I would think of on my own.
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Senior User
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From: Ousley, GA
The first thing I looked at was the box. Several years ago I learned a very valuable lesson after purchasing a one owner CJ7. It's all I could do to get it home it was wandering so badly. The next morning I checked and found the gearbox being held on by ONE bolt! Loose at that! Needless to say, first sign of play I check the box.
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2003
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From: Ousley, GA
It wouldn't surprise me. My "good deal" buy has been draining me of funds. Everytime I turn around I find something else wrong. I'm glad my '74 hasn't had these issues.
Is the rag joint and the steering coupler the same thing? And why are they so much $$? Nearly $100! Not sure yet if it is the culprit - just trying to cover my bases.
Is the rag joint and the steering coupler the same thing? And why are they so much $$? Nearly $100! Not sure yet if it is the culprit - just trying to cover my bases.
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My "good deal" buy has been draining me of funds.
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From: Collierville
Mine had that 2" of play and it was the rag joint. The whole thing was gone. It took me a little while to find out what exactly what went there. I replaced it and the play went but the wander stayed. Checked the frontend parts and all were fine. Adjusted the steering box as explained here and it was like I was driving a new truck. It turned crisply and stayed between the lines. Don't skip any steps in fixing it but I wanted you to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and it is really great when you get there.
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From: Ousley, GA
The rag joint was shot. Got a replacement ordered at Advanced Auto this evening for $30. Is there a trick to changing the joint out? Everything that I have just says "remove" the joint. Is that all there is to it? It's the next repair on my list right after I fix my CJ tomorrow afternoon
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From: Ousley, GA
Originally Posted by rboeding
Mine had that 2" of play and it was the rag joint. The whole thing was gone. It took me a little while to find out what exactly what went there. I replaced it and the play went but the wander stayed. Checked the frontend parts and all were fine. Adjusted the steering box as explained here and it was like I was driving a new truck. It turned crisply and stayed between the lines. Don't skip any steps in fixing it but I wanted you to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel and it is really great when you get there.