Play in steering
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: B'more
Play in steering
My truck has a tendency to wander a bit, there's some play in the steering after 208K miles. (93/2.3L/2wd)
I'm not real familiar with front end work, so I'm trying to learn a little before I dive in. I did some searches here and got some good info on determining where there is play:
That seems fairly straightforward, but how can I tell if my steering rack is worn? Is there any guideline as to how long a rack lasts?
How about the "rag joint" ?
Thanks!
I'm not real familiar with front end work, so I'm trying to learn a little before I dive in. I did some searches here and got some good info on determining where there is play:
Jack up the left front wheel under the lower control arm. Grab wheel at 3 o'clock and 9'oclock positions and try to turn it left and right. If you notice any play it's probably in a tie rod end.
Grab wheel at 12 o'clock and push in/out... if there is play then it's the upper ball joint (possibly control arm bushing, but doubtful).
Insert bar under tire and pry upwards... any play is lower ball joint.
Grab wheel at 12 o'clock and push in/out... if there is play then it's the upper ball joint (possibly control arm bushing, but doubtful).
Insert bar under tire and pry upwards... any play is lower ball joint.
How about the "rag joint" ?
Thanks!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 765
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From: Moneta, VA
I don't think a '93 Ranger has rack and pinion steering, so there is no rack to wear out.
Non-Rack and Pinion vehicles have more play in the steering wheel than vehicles equipped with rackand pinion. Are you sure this is not normal play?
From my experince, a worn steering coupler can be seen by looking at the item while someone else turns the steering wheel back and forth. It will seem loose, and sometimes can be heard.
With 208K, the steering box could be worn out.
Non-Rack and Pinion vehicles have more play in the steering wheel than vehicles equipped with rackand pinion. Are you sure this is not normal play?
From my experince, a worn steering coupler can be seen by looking at the item while someone else turns the steering wheel back and forth. It will seem loose, and sometimes can be heard.
With 208K, the steering box could be worn out.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
After inspecting your wheel bearing adjustment as well as front end components for excess wear, I'd strongly consider adjusting your steering box. Myself, I've found that this is a good thing to do about every 50k miles.
Trailering
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 15
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Yes, check the steering column. I have a 1990 that has play in it also.
I replaced the steering gear, which helped somewhat but still left some
slop in the steering. With a helper moving the steering wheel back & forth
about 2 inches in each direction, I could see that there was play before
the steering gear input. I checked the rag-joint, which was good. What
I did find was that the shaft is two parts, one sliding into the other. That
was where the slop was. The two parts of the shaft had a surprising
amount of play between them.
I have another shaft coming from a wrecking yard so I can't say this is
the final cure but it's definitely part of the problem.
Also, if you adjust the steering gear, be very careful not to go too tight as
that will damage the gear. The proper method seems a pain, involving
disconnecting the pitman arm and adjusting the gear while observing the
torque required to turn the steering wheel, so I've left mine alone for now.
I replaced the steering gear, which helped somewhat but still left some
slop in the steering. With a helper moving the steering wheel back & forth
about 2 inches in each direction, I could see that there was play before
the steering gear input. I checked the rag-joint, which was good. What
I did find was that the shaft is two parts, one sliding into the other. That
was where the slop was. The two parts of the shaft had a surprising
amount of play between them.
I have another shaft coming from a wrecking yard so I can't say this is
the final cure but it's definitely part of the problem.
Also, if you adjust the steering gear, be very careful not to go too tight as
that will damage the gear. The proper method seems a pain, involving
disconnecting the pitman arm and adjusting the gear while observing the
torque required to turn the steering wheel, so I've left mine alone for now.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
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From: B'more
Originally Posted by CowboyBilly9Mile
After inspecting your wheel bearing adjustment as well as front end components for excess wear, I'd strongly consider adjusting your steering box. Myself, I've found that this is a good thing to do about every 50k miles.
I want to get a chance to check the ball joints & tie rod ends before going after the steering box. Anyone ever adjust / tweak the steering box adjustment without checking torque, etc? Is there a quick and dirty "cheater" method, or is that not recommended?
I suspect there will be a little slop in each part, but I cant just replace everything right now... so hopefully I can get a big improvement without too much cash outlay...
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
I've adjusted the gearbox in every vehicle I've ever owned that didn't have rack and pinion. For the adjustment on the Ranger, I ignored the process noted in service manuals and instead tighten the adjustment in 1/8 - 1/4 turn increments followed by a quick drive to see if I've found the point where it's too tight (steering wheel doesn't fully unwind after a sharp 90 degree corner on a residential street). I repeat until I find the point where it's too tight, then back off about 1/3 turn from this point. It's pretty hard to go wrong; if it's too tight you will know about it right away and promptly want to back it off a bit.
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Senior User
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From: B'more
Thats exactly the kind of info I was looking for! Not having messed with this stuff before, I'm sitting here looking thru my Ford service CD to see where the adjustment is. Looks like it's on top of the box, right? Also, after reading thru the adjustment procedure, I get the idea that it's a lock nut on the top, with a screw adjustment, sort of like a rocker arm - is that right?
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
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From: Eastern WA
You're correct. Loosen the locknut (make sure you loosen the locknut more than you plan on tightening the screw), tighten the screw a bit while holding the locknut (nice to keep track of how much), then retighten the locknut. The last couple I did had a fair amount of friction between the screw and the locknut and they liked to move together once the locknut was backed off.
*BTW, I would still inspect the wheel bearings for correct adjustment as noted earlier. I found the Ford adjustment proceedure wasn't exactly the best gameplan.
*BTW, I would still inspect the wheel bearings for correct adjustment as noted earlier. I found the Ford adjustment proceedure wasn't exactly the best gameplan.
Last edited by CowboyBilly9Mile; Mar 20, 2006 at 12:53 AM.
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From: B'more
Awright, it's not really a big deal to check the front wheel bearings on 2WD. Definately appreciate the info! I may not be able to get into this before the weekend, but will be sure to check this out!
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From: B'more
Well, just now got around to doing this today in conjunction with an oil change. Pretty easy, and WELL WORTH IT!! Makes an astonishing difference when the steering is tight... I did quarter turn increments, and three quarters of a turn corrected all the steering play. This truck is a pleasure to drive! Much thanks to CowboyBilly9Mile for the info - very much appreciated!