76 F250 steering issues
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Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 595
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From: Chico, CA
76 F250 steering issues
First off, I have a non-factory power steering unit that was mounted in my truck by the previous owner (box welded to frame rail). Recently I've been noticing that my steering wheel is rotated differently and shifts position occasionally. I notice this when driving straight down the road. To clarify, sometimes I'll get in the truck and the steering wheel will be rotated correctly (straight up and down orientation) and sometimes it will be off (rotated cntr-clkwise) a few degrees. There is no shimmying in the wheel while driving and it never changes its alignment while going down the road, just in slow speed, full lock manuevers. Like the shaft and gears inside the box are slipping past each other.
Anyone know what this is and how I would begin to remedy it?
Sorry about the long post, but any help would be greatly appreciated.
Anyone know what this is and how I would begin to remedy it?
Sorry about the long post, but any help would be greatly appreciated.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,008
Likes: 0
From: Annapolis,MD.
Something is moving.Have someone turn the wheel lock-2-lock while you look at everything underneath.Could be as simple as a axle pivot bushing.A common problem (more common on the 80-86,than 67-79)is the rivots"loosening" at the frame and crossmember.
Ford Parts Specialist
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 88,826
Likes: 785
From: Simi Valley, CA
Considering that someone welded the steering gear box to the frame (!!), I'd look at the steering column to dash mounting bolts. If loose, the wheel will move in all directions. The steering coupling is another source of problems, if it has one (it did at one time). Under the hood, the coupling connects the steering shaft to the box. It has a piece of rubber, which gets oil soaked.
If the axle pivot bushings are bad, figure radius arm bushings too. Forget the originals, go with polyurethane ones. they'll last a lifetime.
If the axle pivot bushings are bad, figure radius arm bushings too. Forget the originals, go with polyurethane ones. they'll last a lifetime.
