steering binding question(s)
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
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steering binding question(s)
o.k.guru's i need some help with this. i've got a 78 f150 4x4. last couple of days there has been like a binding when steering usually as the wheel is returning to straight position, but sometimes when i'm turning the wheel. power steering pump has fluid. hose might be a little wet but does'nt seem to be losing fluid. the column under the hood seems to be very dry were the the 2 shafts come together (splined) it's got a little play in it not much. what do ya think, gearbox?, bearings?, whole column?, ball joints?, etc. etc. this is the 3rd 70's truck i've had and never had this problem before. appreciate the help!!!!!
p.s. if it matters any the truck is blue and grey primer LOL!!
p.s. if it matters any the truck is blue and grey primer LOL!!
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 38
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From: Seattle, Wa
Learn from my mistake! Before you throw parts at it, check the u-joint at the bottom of the steering column. After I finished replacing the pump (probably needed it anyways), hoses, filter, and steering box ($$$) and still had the same binding problem (DAMMIT!!!!!!), I took the shaft out between the bottom of the column and the rag joint and waddya know, half of the u-joint was VERY stiff. Also, it's a sealed (READ - ungreasable) u-joint (thanks, Ford engineering).
Now, I'm trying to find a new one but from what I've managed put together, the part is no longer made except for a replacement shaft from Borgeson ($280 or something). Anybody know where else to get one?
Now, I'm trying to find a new one but from what I've managed put together, the part is no longer made except for a replacement shaft from Borgeson ($280 or something). Anybody know where else to get one?
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
Originally Posted by 794x4390
...Also, it's a sealed (READ - ungreasable) u-joint (thanks, Ford engineering).
Now, I'm trying to find a new one but from what I've managed put together, the part is no longer made except for a replacement shaft from Borgeson ($280 or something). Anybody know where else to get one?
Now, I'm trying to find a new one but from what I've managed put together, the part is no longer made except for a replacement shaft from Borgeson ($280 or something). Anybody know where else to get one?
These trucks are old and replacement parts are not always available. Substitutions and fabrication are sometimes required.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,138
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From: Yuba City, Ca
the steering box may need adjustment. when i rebuilt mine i had to adjust the stud and nut on top to alighn the gears to mesh. you have a vertical and horizontal drive gear and your steering wheel hooks up to the horizontal worm gear and the pitman arm connects to the verticle one. the adjustment bolt adjust where the two come together in a gearset.
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Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
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Too much "adjustment" on that stud and nut can also cause the steering to bind and not return to center.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2006
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thanks for the new info guys. it looks like i've got alot to ckeck into. i'm working midnite this week and its been raining dab-near every day. so i'll keep this info handy and get on it asap. you guys are a big help.
Tuned
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 446
Likes: 4
From: Grayling, MI
U joint
Originally Posted by 794x4390
Learn from my mistake! Before you throw parts at it, check the u-joint at the bottom of the steering column.
Last edited by Torque1st; Jun 4, 2006 at 11:34 PM. Reason: remove spare box info
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Senior User
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hey guys! just wanted to you all know i had a little time to ckeck some of your ideas. there's a little more play in the universal on the column than i thought. it wobbles all over the place. and the rag joint had some marks on it like it was hitting the wheel well.there's rubber that hangs down off the well that its rubbing against but it's pretty flexable. i've been reseaching the archives of the site here and i think i'm going to start with u.v. joint first & then the rag joint. all i need now is time & a little $$$. THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP!!!!!!!!!!