Steering in a bind!!
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Steering in a bind!!
Was driving to work today and noticed that all of the sudden the steering wheel seems to bind up at certain points and it always seems to be random when it does this. I have been able to overcome the binding and the truck will steer correctly but I am thinking there is something wrong inside the gear box? Maybe a tooth broken? The box has always been a bit loose and I have adjusted it twice, once about 2.5 years ago and the other a little over a year ago. Each time per the manual. The steering tightened up some but then seemed to get looser. Just now has the binding started and I am scared to drive it much. Any ideas on how to diagnose or what to look for, or am I correct in thinking it is likely the gearbox? If so, how bad are they to change out and where is a good source for one? Thanks in advance!! Really gotta get this thing going soon as it is my DD. PS...219,000 miles 4WD Manual
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 10,410
Likes: 77
From: Plankinton, SD
I'd say its the gear box for sure. When you tighten them up if you go too far they will bind just like you are saying. I don't know how bad they are to change though cause I've never done it. Someone here sure has.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
The part that gets me is that was well over a year ago when I adjusted it and there was no binding at all after I adjusted it. I have been hearing noises coming from the steering column and did some reading on the upper bearing? Is there a way to get the steering wheel off w/o a puller?
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
This is a common problem with our trucks. The steering wheel contains bearing the guide it while turning. After time these bearings go bad and have to be replaced. Its not a hard job or an expensive one, you just need to get a good diagram and pay careful attention to how you remove them so you can put it all back togeather correctly. You will need a puller.
Reek
Reek
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
Pretty sure this is the problem. Spent a couple of hours tonight taking everything apart. Didn't have a puller so I got the whole assembly off without pulling the wheel. Will have to round up a puller to get to the bearings. Probably should replace them all while I am in there. There is a lot of noise coming from where the spring scrapes on the snap ring on the top portion. Is there supposed to be something there to protect from that or should I just grease it up good?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
rderr
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
13
Aug 28, 2013 06:35 AM
smandzak
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
4
Dec 28, 2006 01:06 AM
