Steering joints
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Steering joints
I got my 93 Bronco EB 351 two months ago. Today
when I looked at the tie rod ends, drag link and
their grease fittings, I noticed that I'm able to grab
the drag link and rotate it up and down (like a motorcyle throttle)
with ease. Is this supposed to be tighter than that? I
can also do this on the tie rod and it also moves up and
down with ease. The grease fittings look empty and I don't
know when the last time they were greased. There is old caked
on grease around the fittings but the rubber boots on all
of the joints are empty. Does this looseness mean that
all these steering joints are shot? I do have sloppy
steering and wandering. I checked the radius bushings and the
ball joints and they look ok.
Randy
93 Bronco EB, 351
when I looked at the tie rod ends, drag link and
their grease fittings, I noticed that I'm able to grab
the drag link and rotate it up and down (like a motorcyle throttle)
with ease. Is this supposed to be tighter than that? I
can also do this on the tie rod and it also moves up and
down with ease. The grease fittings look empty and I don't
know when the last time they were greased. There is old caked
on grease around the fittings but the rubber boots on all
of the joints are empty. Does this looseness mean that
all these steering joints are shot? I do have sloppy
steering and wandering. I checked the radius bushings and the
ball joints and they look ok.
Randy
93 Bronco EB, 351
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 573
Likes: 0
From: Medina, Tn.
Steering joints
I have an 89 and there is no looseness on mine. As far as I know, there should be no looseness. I had mine replaced at Sears (Yes, Sears)in 1993 and they have a lifetime warranty. I just had them replaced late Summer and all I had to pay was the labor. Since I am planning on keeping my Bronco, I get everything with a lifetime warranty. I also use AutoZone parts and have been using them for over 20 years with no real problems.
Good luck with your 1989, I love mine.
Good luck with your 1989, I love mine.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Steering joints
They shouldn't be loose.
I had an AZ
tie rod end just DROP
as I was driving (no off-roading since I installed it 3 mo. earlier) and a u-joint shatter similarly.
Fortunately, neither occurred at over 30mph, so I didn't wreck, but I could have easily.
After that, I removed EVERYTHING from AZ from my truck & I've never bought anything there since. :-X23 I got ALL my money back plus $150. 
I had an AZ
tie rod end just DROP as I was driving (no off-roading since I installed it 3 mo. earlier) and a u-joint shatter similarly. Fortunately, neither occurred at over 30mph, so I didn't wreck, but I could have easily. After that, I removed EVERYTHING from AZ from my truck & I've never bought anything there since. :-X23 I got ALL my money back plus $150. 
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 9,182
Likes: 12
From: Gateway to the West
Steering joints
The amount of play (looseness) you are describing is a bit extreme. Some movement by hand is usually possible but with soem real effort. If you can just reach up and twist the tierods around, definitely have the rod ends and other joints looked at and/or replaced.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
Steering joints
For just about the same money, you can get them from a reputable local parts house that will give you free replacement if it ever happens again. For the best, shop for "MOOG" parts.
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 77
Likes: 2
From: Pacific Wonderland
Steering joints
yup!
Tie-rod's and the like are the sorts of parts I ALWAYS replace with GOOD; and therefore often more expensive parts 
JC Whitney is fine for the cheap crome fix-up's for the used beater, and some very good parts can be had from them too - BUT YOUR LIFE IS ON THE LINE WITH TIE RODS _ DON't MESS AROUND 
After all - is there any other parts so dangerous if they fail?
DO THE RIGHT THING!
Tie-rod's and the like are the sorts of parts I ALWAYS replace with GOOD; and therefore often more expensive parts JC Whitney is fine for the cheap crome fix-up's for the used beater, and some very good parts can be had from them too - BUT
YOUR LIFE IS ON THE LINE WITH TIE RODS _ DON't MESS AROUND After all - is there any other parts so dangerous if they fail?
DO THE RIGHT THING! Trending Topics
Thread Starter
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New User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 6
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Steering joints
Thanks for the good advice, I'll check out the Moog parts! I
also wanted to see if Ford sells just the steering joints itself then
I could reuse the drag link, tie rod and sleeves. ?
Thanks!
Randy
93 Bronco 351, EB
also wanted to see if Ford sells just the steering joints itself then
I could reuse the drag link, tie rod and sleeves. ?
Thanks!
Randy
93 Bronco 351, EB
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