78 Bronco steers itself
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78 Bronco steers itself
Please help! I am just about ready to put my 78 Bronco back on the road. I tried to take it for a drive today when it started steering itself. At first, the truck wouldn't stter to the left. I would try turning the wheel and it would violently turn the other way back to where it was when I started. The problem then got worse. When I shut the engine of, hte wheels were turning themselves back and forth, about 1/2 way in each direction. At least the steering system is powerful enough to turn the 38" tires, but I think this is a bit much. The specs on the steering components are as follows: a stock 78 box, rebuilt a couple years ago, and a Saginaw type pump from an 80's I-6 van. Anyone know what the problem is with my truck? Thanks.
Eric Tobolski
Eric Tobolski
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78 Bronco steers itself
I guess I wasn't too clear with that one statement. I looked at the tires and they where turning while the truck was sitting still. I then got back in and shut the engine off. I'll have to check the axle joints, but they wouldn't cause a problem when the truck isn't moving would they? Thanks.
Eric Tobolski
Eric Tobolski
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78 Bronco steers itself
I suppose they could if the axle shaft is in a serious bind. Other than that I would be looking at that steering box. Just to clarify, you do have an integral power steering box, and not the old ram assist steering, right? Maybe someone installed gas charged shocks for steering stabilizers?
Nathan
Nathan
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78 Bronco steers itself
I've got the integral power steering box. Someone else suggested that I loosen the adjuster on the box. It seems strange that this could be a problem since it worked just fine last time I used it. Also, I currently have no steering shock on the truck. Thanks for the advice. Hopefully I can fix it tomorrow afternoon.
Eric Tobolski
Eric Tobolski
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78 Bronco steers itself
I was told once not to put my arm through the steering wheels of old ford trucks with power steering. Because of the rare occurance that fords have apparintly been known to do; the system builds up too much pressure and can suddenly turn the wheels by itself, even sitting still. I was told it is a sudden movement and that can cause broken/mangled limb if in the way of the steering wheel when it happens. Not too sure if this is true but a mechanic friend of mine told me so I'd imagine it has some truth to it. Hope this helps
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78 Bronco steers itself
That is pretty much what happens with mine. You didn't happen to hear the solution, did you? Thanks.
Eric Tobolski
Eric Tobolski
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78 Bronco steers itself
Well, it looks like I've got this thing figured out. I disconnected the steering linkages, and I still had the problem. Everything in the axle is good. I adjusted the gear box all over the place, and it doesn't change at all. I was told that the problem is likely a bad pressure valve in the pump. I bought a new one today, and hopefully after I install the pump my problem will be gone. Thanks.
Eric Tobolski
Eric Tobolski
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