Catch in my steering
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Catch in my steering
I have a 79 F150 4x4. The PO put a later model (early 80's) steering column in it so he could have tilt. I'm not sure that information is helpful but anyway, here's the probelm.
Recently, the steering developed a tendency to hang up or "catch" while I'm turning. If I give it a second, the power steering tends to recover and it turns fine. Just some added information to ponder. The problem seemed to start about the same time that I removed nerf bars the PO had installed that hindered me from turning either direction 100% because the oversized tires would hit the bars. Could it be that the geers in the steering box are worn differently due to the fact that it hasn't been able to fully steer? Just a thought. I'm open to any ideas and suggestions. I hate to jump off and replace a steering box ($250) if it's something more simple than that.
Recently, the steering developed a tendency to hang up or "catch" while I'm turning. If I give it a second, the power steering tends to recover and it turns fine. Just some added information to ponder. The problem seemed to start about the same time that I removed nerf bars the PO had installed that hindered me from turning either direction 100% because the oversized tires would hit the bars. Could it be that the geers in the steering box are worn differently due to the fact that it hasn't been able to fully steer? Just a thought. I'm open to any ideas and suggestions. I hate to jump off and replace a steering box ($250) if it's something more simple than that.
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Thanks for the input thus far. Here is some additional information that may help. I jacked the front end up, started the engine and turned the steering wheel completely to the left and right multiple times. What I found was, after turning the wheel all the way to the left, I'd begin turning it back to the right and about half way between straight and full left turn, the steering catches. It does it in the same spot every time. I plan on removing the steering shaft between the column and gear box tonight to see if I can isolate the problem. With the shaft removed, I'll turn the ragjoint by hand to see what happens. I'm just wondering if there could possible be something wrong with the column.
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Turns out the steering column is worn out and the upper bearing is in bad shape. I've pulled the column and will not be putting it back in. It never was right to begin with. I have a 2 wheel drive 79 truck with stock column but not sure it will work. I haven't pulled it yet, but it appears the rag joint coupler is welded to the column shaft. How will I make this column work on my 4x4?
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Leadfoot0082
1948 - 1956 F1, F100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
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Jun 21, 2014 11:00 AM
