Steering Wheel Play

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Dec 17, 2006 | 08:57 PM

ricalbuq

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Steering Wheel Play

I purchased a 1988 F150 SC xlt/lariat 4x4, 302, in running condition for 1000.00. I was please with the purchase price and have put a quick 700.00 in it for steering, ball joints, frame weld, and something else, anyway there is some play in the steering wheel. What can I do to tighten the steering so there is not so much play in the steering wheel???

ricalbuq

Dec 17, 2006 | 09:04 PM

wrenchturner

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From: shelocta, pa

I'd have someone in the cab turning back and forth on the wheel till you see movement in the tires. look at all the steering components until you find where the slop is. The steering box is adjustable and is easy. But check the joints in the steering colum, and the links in the steering under the truck. let us know what's loose.

Jason

Dec 17, 2006 | 09:24 PM

RMS94

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Here is a website w/ the procedure to tighten the steering box;

http://autorepair.about.com/library/a/1h/bl136h.htm

Just becareful and check the slop every quarter turn as stated in the procedure. If the gearing mesh is too tighten the steering effort and control will be effected.

On my 1994 it took 1-1/4 turns to eliminate the slop.

Roger

Dec 18, 2006 | 07:06 PM

ricalbuq

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thanks for the quick reply. I plan on doing this procedure on Friday so I will post with the results of the procedure. thanks again,

Randy

Dec 18, 2006 | 07:08 PM

ricalbuq

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Will tightening the nut holding the steering wheel make any difference? I have not done this but was just wondering??

Randy

Dec 19, 2006 | 12:40 AM

desertdave55

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Quote:

Originally Posted by ricalbuq

Will tightening the nut holding the steering wheel make any difference? I have not done this but was just wondering??

Randy

A loose nut behind the wheel will always cause problems.

Sorry, just had to say it! The steering wheel fits onto the splined steering shaft quite securely. If that nut had become loose and the steering wheel had worked itself up out of that spline, you'd immediately know it was loose right there!

Do as wrenchturner suggested to determine exactly where the play is. Could be the steering box, could be the knuckle on the steering wheel shaft, could be something else.....