sloppy steering
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 34
Likes: 3
From: Cape Coral, FL
sloppy steering
first and foremost, I love my truck! Second, does any one know if there is a steering box adjustment at the steering input shaft from thesteering wheel? I have replaced and greased all tie rod ends and the truck still wanders. It appears to be loose before the steering arm. I have a 2003 F250 4x4 with a 6.0 diesel. Thanks for any help. Chad
Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 34
Likes: 3
From: Cape Coral, FL
I have 285/75/16 tires, and aftermarket tie rodends. balljoints are stock. the components are tight, but i can move the wheel/steering shaft back and forth without moving the pitman arm. is there an adjustment in/on the steering gear box to tighten up the input shaft? Thanks, Chad
Elder User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 574
Likes: 0
From: SW Idaho
There is an adjuster screw (allen) on top of the steering box...it's doubled nutted. Its best to adjust it in only 1/4 turn in at a time with the wheels off the ground while turning the steering wheel to check for binding.
New User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
The mfg. of all steering gears don't recommend adjusting that screw. I have heard it is only for factory calibration. and if you mess with it, the gear will wear 5 times faster. The only way is to have the seering gear replaced.
I have seen people adjust those and blow the rack apart in 10 miles.
I have seen people adjust those and blow the rack apart in 10 miles.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Spring Lake
What rack? last I knew we had a gearbox?
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Senior User
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 440
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From: Montana
Ah yet another wandering thread.... Oh so many.
If your alignment guys figure it out keep us posted. I have been trying to find the wandering problem with mine for awhile now. Adjusting the gear box and putting on a good steering stabilizer will help some.
Budman
If your alignment guys figure it out keep us posted. I have been trying to find the wandering problem with mine for awhile now. Adjusting the gear box and putting on a good steering stabilizer will help some.
Budman
Elder User
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 574
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From: SW Idaho
My neighbor has a 2007 F-150 which has rack+pinion steering. My F-250 has steering box type circulating ball.
As a preventive measure i've replaced all my power steering fluids with approved Amsoil Syn UTF.
As a preventive measure i've replaced all my power steering fluids with approved Amsoil Syn UTF.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 2
From: Spring Lake
When I first bought my truck the factory stabilizer was seized, and actually caused most of my steering problems. If you have a factory one, unbolt it and verify it works propery!
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 855
Likes: 5
The trac bar will not contribute to wandering nearly as much as worn steering components. Guys, these boxes DO wear out. That adjusting screw is for setting the lash when all the components are in their original machined configuration. 9 times out of 10, when you adjust the gearboxes with that screw enough that the slop is gone, the box is so darn tight it won't auto return any more when you turn a corner.
Been running a fleet of 20+ trucks for the last 8 years now plus doing wrenching on the side. Never had any luck fixing the box. If the wandering bothers you to the point you need it fixed, I would suggest you save your clams and get a new/rebuilt box.
Been running a fleet of 20+ trucks for the last 8 years now plus doing wrenching on the side. Never had any luck fixing the box. If the wandering bothers you to the point you need it fixed, I would suggest you save your clams and get a new/rebuilt box.
