Scary Steering problem

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Oct 23, 2008 | 07:15 PM

beersy50

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From: Otego NY

Scary Steering problem

Its hard to explain and its only happened a couple of times and I'm trying to avoid it from happining, so here goes. When I turn a corner (like at an intersection) the steering acts "jumpy"... I guess that word works, a couple of times it acted like it got stuck in the turn postion also. Another thing the steering has done is: if I hit a bump while turning a moderate to hard corner at 50-55ish the whole front of the truck starts shaking violently until I pull over and come to a complete stop. When I start agin its fine, well at least a good as it was before. I took it to my little brother tonight who is a much better mech. than I am and he couldn't find anything obiviously wrong with the steering linkages and such. So any thoughts?

Beersy50

89 F-350 dump truck 4x4 5-speed

Oct 23, 2008 | 08:23 PM

Dave Sponaugle

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From: Nutter Fort, WV

The first thing could be front axle U joints out at the steering knuckles.

The death wobble (violent shaking) can be worn king pin bushings, springs on the rear axle flattened out which changes the steering geometry, tie rods, bad alignment, bad tires, worn steering column linkages or worn steering sector.

If nothing stands out specifically, you are probably looking at several small things that are adding up to a big one.
We have an 84 Dodge flatbed company truck, the steering sector is shot anf the rear springs have lost their arch.
When you hit a bump going into a slight corner, it can be a very interesting ride till the death wobble stops.
For some reason nobody will drive it except me, it don't really bother me cause it's just a darned old Dodge.

Oct 23, 2008 | 08:32 PM

beersy50

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From: Otego NY

Thanks for the starting point dave, just one question...What is a "steering sector"

Beersy50

Oct 23, 2008 | 08:47 PM

Dave Sponaugle

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From: Nutter Fort, WV

The steering column goes in the back, the arm to the tie rod comes out the bottom.

Steering gear box is another name I have heard them called, steering sector might be a WV only name.

Oct 24, 2008 | 03:22 PM

beersy50

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From: Otego NY

oh, ok I know what a gear box is. From what you've told me its proabbly the front U-joints, they are pretty bad.

Beersy50

Oct 24, 2008 | 06:59 PM

tjc transport

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From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.

my 88 would do the "death wobble" thing.
i got so disgusted, i rebuilt the entire front end.
2 days later..............., you guessed correct.

i put a dual steering stabalizer on 15 years ago, and the death wobble has never came back.

Oct 25, 2008 | 12:12 AM

ford trans tech

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it is called a steering box , the shaft that the pitman arm is attached to is called the sector shaft
and the shaft the steering wheel is attached to is the spool valve and shaft