Loose steering
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,788
Likes: 103
From: Georgia
Loose steering
What's anyones guess about what needs repaired in the steering/front end. Had the steering box replaced last year at a dealership, had it re-adjusted at a different dealership this spring. This time i adjusted it myself by the book, inch pound torque and the whole 9 yards. Some better but still loose. Had my assistant (better known as the wife) turn the steering wheel while i looked at all the linkage and I can't find any play. Truck has 140K miles, very well maintained but lots of heavy towing. As always all responses are appreciated, knowledgable responses are greatly appreciated, Stan
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 2
From: Las Vegas, NV
I'm guessing it sounds like ball joints are in need of replacement. also you can run a dual steering stabilizer to help stiffen things up a git, straight axles aren't the smoothest things in the world.
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,595
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From: Utah County, UT
Do you have hystoresis in the wheel or just feels loose when going over bumps, like on and off bridge approaches? I had a little turn when the suspension would drop, usually noticed it on interstated when coming off a bridge that was higher than the road afterward. It was the ball joint on passenger side. Same scenerio could happen if the track bar bushings are worn out as well.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,788
Likes: 103
From: Georgia
Do you have hystoresis in the wheel or just feels loose when going over bumps, like on and off bridge approaches? I had a little turn when the suspension would drop, usually noticed it on interstated when coming off a bridge that was higher than the road afterward. It was the ball joint on passenger side. Same scenerio could happen if the track bar bushings are worn out as well.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,298
Likes: 25
From: Damon (South East Texas)
Like said. Check your ball joints also. Mine were a bit loose on the driver's side, so I replaced both sides and all the axle seals. After the ball joints and new tires, the truck still wandered, like you say, and the toe-in needed readjusting. After adjusting this and tightening of the p/s sector preload slightly, she drives great now.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 146
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From: Lindale, TX
I had the same problem. Checked and my ball joints were already replaced. Tie rod ends were good. Took off the steering stabilizer and it was useless. Put a new 30$ one one and all better. Mine was loose and wandering also. Drove me nuts.
Lusty
Lusty
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Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,298
Likes: 25
From: Damon (South East Texas)
My steering stabilizer was still "tight", but leaking. The new one didn't really help in my case. The adjustments finally cured it. But, that might be just my situation. Good point about the stabilizer also.
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Lead Driver
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,613
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From: Flagstaff, Arizona
another thing that always helps mine a bit is keeping everything lubed up front. Take out the grease gun and give a couple squirts into every zirk you can find down there, I have Moogs....always seems to be a bit smoother after a good lubing
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,298
Likes: 25
From: Damon (South East Texas)
You'd be amazed how much easier the steering is with greasable ball joints. A little grease can make all the difference.
