The '78 F150 (High Boy) I bought 5 months ago has some "play" in the steering. Actually, the past 3 Fords I've owned have had "play" in the steering (1975 Bronco and a mercury). When I drive down the road it drifts a little and I have to over-correct the steering to align back up with the road.

Another problem I have is that it's hard to turn at a stand still. The steering jerks and it almost feels like I have no power steering. I need to check to see if the PS belt is tight.

I don't have much experience with power steering. Does anybody have any suggestions? I've heard where there is an adjusting screw to tighten up the steering.

Thanks,
Scott

1975 Ford Bronco Ranger 4x4
1978 Ford F150 4x4 (High Boy)

 

[font color=red size=2]I would first check the steering linkages for excess movement. Have a buddy rock the steering wheel back and forth while you look over the steering. Start at the firewall and follow the steering to the wheels. You are looking for any looseness or excess movement in the joints. If you find some then replace them. If you don't feel comfortable with this, then a repair shop should be able to do it for you.

You'd be suprised how much a loose joint affects your hiway driving...

Marty

 

So many people think that screw will solve all your steering problems....you won't gain anymore control of your truck. The lack of assist may be a combination of low RPM's not running the pump enough to supply the gear with enough pressure. Like posted above, have a buddy get in the cab and try turning the wheel in both directions (truck off) and crawl under her to see where there's movement. Sometimes it's a frame problem, steering gear problem, radius arm bushings, king pins (2wd), or even as basic as wheel bearings - and I almost forgot the rods...diagnosing steering problems is not so easy and if you have oversized tires (with smaller rims), expect a handling loss on the freeway.

 

Boots,
You have only a few components to maintain.
1. Steering Gearbox: Bounce steering wheel between play points.Adjust after you've determined all else is well. Loosen nut on top of gear box. Hand tighten shaft with screw driver till play is removed. Bounce steering wheel between play points. It should be better. Don't force adjustment shaft, you'll just lock up the box. Insure lock nut does not interfere. If steering wheel does not return to center after you've gone through a turn, you've tightened it too much. Either loosen it or wait. An over adjusted box will wear very quickly and become loose soon enough. Get my point?
2. Tie rod ends: Jack tire off ground. Have buddy move tire left/right and watch tie rod joint for play. If you see any play, replace it. Count how many turns it takes to get old tie rod off and put the new one on the same amount. This will get you to the alignment shop.
3. Drag link Joint: Same tie rod like joint except it's on the inside of the short tie rod length. Jack up that tire and move it left/right. Watch for play, replace if there is any.
4. Pitman Arm: Steering Gear arm. Turn steering wheel left/right but just so it bounces between play point. Watch pitman arm joint for play. If there is play, I think you in trouble. There not available anymore, I think?
My Way is the Highway
KingFisher
P.S. There are other parts that will cause problems but they are suspension parts.
1. Kinpin bushings
2. I-beam bushings
3. Bent shock absorber
4. etc.

 

yup, i agree with the pitman arm idea. thats the problem i had with mine, got it replaced at Les Schwab when i had new tires out on this winter and its alot better now. got new brakes, and the right caliper went out which also put alot of play into my steering.
Mike S.
1979 F-100

 

Thanks for the suggestions. I really appreciate it.