Steering slack
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Sylva NC
Steering slack
When I got the truck it had a bad power steering leak and a lot of slack. I put Lucas stop leak in and it worked like a charm and even tighten it up a little.
I put on a rebuilt gear box and that didnt help much.
Question is, would a new pump take the slack out? It does seem ALOT tighter on cold mornings.
I put on a rebuilt gear box and that didnt help much.
Question is, would a new pump take the slack out? It does seem ALOT tighter on cold mornings.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Sylva NC
Ive check the ends by twisting them by hand and they seemed ok. I guess I need to have somebody turn the wheel while I watch them.
I replaced the rag joint too.
No not lifted. Bone stock.
I replaced the rag joint too.
No not lifted. Bone stock.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
I am going to say the front end seems tighter because the power steering fluid is thicker.
A new pump may help some, a cooler on the return line may also help.
My guess is since you have already replaced the steering gear box and rag joint that you have several places like tie rods and ball joints that have a little play, which is adding up to more when they are all connected.
How long since the front end has been aligned?
Caster, camber and toe in out of adjustment can make a little play even worse.
A new pump may help some, a cooler on the return line may also help.
My guess is since you have already replaced the steering gear box and rag joint that you have several places like tie rods and ball joints that have a little play, which is adding up to more when they are all connected.
How long since the front end has been aligned?
Caster, camber and toe in out of adjustment can make a little play even worse.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 247
Likes: 1
From: KY
Have you checked the intermediate steering shaft? (shaft from steering gear box to steering wheel) I have seen a lot of these trucks with that shaft worn and it causes a lot of slack in the steering. I also had a mustang that did the same thing, there is a platic bushing in the telescopic part of the shaft that wears out and then the steering gets loose.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 181
Likes: 0
From: Sylva NC
No idea how long since alignment but it drives straight goin down the four lane.
Ive never heard about the return line cooler. Ill explore that.
Never thought about the upper part of the steering. Ill explore that too. Is that a simple fix?
Maybe santa will bring some $$$$ and I can take it to a shop I know pretty well and have him rebuild the whole front end.
Ive never heard about the return line cooler. Ill explore that.
Never thought about the upper part of the steering. Ill explore that too. Is that a simple fix?
Maybe santa will bring some $$$$ and I can take it to a shop I know pretty well and have him rebuild the whole front end.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 247
Likes: 1
From: KY
The steering shaft is a really simple fix. You just take out 2 bolts and then it will come right out, I just had to replace the one in my 1990. I got another shaft out of a low mileage junkyard truck but you can buy them new and they run from $150-$200.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 21,285
Likes: 16
From: Nutter Fort, WV
The stock return line goes through a loop across the front of your cross member which was supposed to cool the oil.
I have seen them removed in some instances.
In other instances oil leaks have caused dirt to build up across the lines and cover them which defeats their purpose since no air can get close to them.
And in some off road applications, there was so much mud packed over them that they were well insulated, again defeating the purpose.
I have seen them removed in some instances.
In other instances oil leaks have caused dirt to build up across the lines and cover them which defeats their purpose since no air can get close to them.
And in some off road applications, there was so much mud packed over them that they were well insulated, again defeating the purpose.
