That sloppy steering again !!!
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New User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2
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That sloppy steering again !!!
Does anyone know if a '96 Eddie Bauer with 5.8 has any components BEFORE the steering box that can wear out (rag joint etc.)?? I have looked up and down the message boards and have come to many conclusions on my issue. I am of course struggling to keep the truck between the lines on the highway. It is strait as an arrow until there comes time for a correction to be made...then I am chasing all over to get it strait again. ALL front end components are tight and I have successfully performed a sector shaft adjustment which DID tighten things up when I am actually steering the front end....after the slop is taken out of a correction (about 2 inches on the wheel itself). Any help or advice would be great.
Thanx,
-Sloppy and Stumped.....
Thanx,
-Sloppy and Stumped.....
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
That sloppy steering again !!!
Put the front axle on jack stands and have an assistant turn the wheel back & forth ONLY as much as you have to when you're trying to straighten out. Get under the truck and watch the tires, then the knuckles, then the tie rods, pitman arm, sector shaft, rag joint, & intermediate shaft. When you go from something that's barely moving to something moving with the wheel, you've found the slop.
If everything is moving the same, then you probably set the sector shaft preload to tight, which kills the return-to-center.
If everything is moving the same, then you probably set the sector shaft preload to tight, which kills the return-to-center.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
That sloppy steering again !!!
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-12-03 AT 10:53 PM (EST)]The rag joint is between the IS & the steering box, just like on all '80-96. AFAIK, the IS was never a problem, & rag joints weren't after '86. I'd back off the preload 1/4 turn at a time & see how it behaves.
To replace the RJ, just pull the 2 bolts that hold it in, collapse the IS, & slip it off the steering box splines.
To replace the RJ, just pull the 2 bolts that hold it in, collapse the IS, & slip it off the steering box splines.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
That sloppy steering again !!!
There are lots of parts that couple different sections of the steering system, and the rag joint is one of them. So, I guess it would fall into the category of a "steering coupling".
Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 35
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That sloppy steering again !!!
[updated:LAST EDITED ON 01-14-03 AT 08:48 AM (EST)]The reason I asked is I took my '91 EB in for a front end alignment and the shop put a note on the ticket that the sterring coupling was severly worn and needed to be replaced. Estimate they gave for replacement was $120 to $150. :-staun
If I have the tools available and I am capable of doing it, then I fix what I can myself. Problem is when I have checked about the part (s) involved and I say steering coupling I just get a funny look. I was told that the problem is not in the lower portion of the steering group, it is between the box and the steering wheel.
If I have the tools available and I am capable of doing it, then I fix what I can myself. Problem is when I have checked about the part (s) involved and I say steering coupling I just get a funny look. I was told that the problem is not in the lower portion of the steering group, it is between the box and the steering wheel.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
That sloppy steering again !!!
That sounds like the rag joint - just get a late-model intermediate shaft from a junkyard - they sell for $10-40. You only need to pull 2 bolts to change it.
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 126
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From: Payson USA
That sloppy steering again !!!
I have an '89 EB and for the past several years I have also had that loose and sloppy steering. Around town isn't too bad but get her up to speed in the mountains here in AZ (NO guardrails) and I am hanging on for dear life. I took the advise of those on this and other boards and tightened the adjusting screw on the steering box this morning. WOW!!!!!! What a difference. The steering is now as tight as it was the day I bought it. I had read advise about turning only 1/8 to 1/4 turn. I turned mine 1/2 turn figuring I would prefer it a little tight as opposed to loose. It feels perfect!
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 793
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From: SoFla
That sloppy steering again !!!
I've got the slop,slop, drift... Oh boy hang on and pray.. I thought it was my tires(wishful thinking)- if that's what you call Wrangler RT/S... I let the wife drive my rig.. "honey, your steering is loose." UGH!! , I already knew that but... So, for a simple fix can I tighten the steering box screw? what 1/8 to 1/4? Please where is this box- screw?