Loose steering
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 80
Likes: 5
Loose steering
Apparently my 93 F150 2wd has developed loose steering over the five years I've driven it. My daughter drove it and commented that it feels really loose in the center and wanders. I had the alignment checked when I replaced tires this spring. The manual I have says that the steering can be adjusted but the description lacks something. The steering box seems to have an adjustment screw on top with a locknut.
Is there a standard procedure to correct the wander without over correcting and having things bind up?
Joe
Is there a standard procedure to correct the wander without over correcting and having things bind up?
Joe
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 32
From: Aurora,Colorado
May want to check the "Rag joint" and see if the source of the play is there. I put a screwdriver thru the universal joint just above the Rag joint and then hold the screwdriver and have someone at the steering wheel check and see if the steering wheel still has 45 degrees of play. If still have the play-the source isnt the rag joint or the steering box.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 32
From: Aurora,Colorado
Apparently my 93 F150 2wd has developed loose steering over the five years I've driven it. My daughter drove it and commented that it feels really loose in the center and wanders. I had the alignment checked when I replaced tires this spring. The manual I have says that the steering can be adjusted but the description lacks something. The steering box seems to have an adjustment screw on top with a locknut.
Is there a standard procedure to correct the wander without over correcting and having things bind up?
Joe
Is there a standard procedure to correct the wander without over correcting and having things bind up?
Joe
I wouldnt try adjusting the steering box. These boxes readily wear out if high mileage. If the play is excessive-get a good rebuilt steering box. I have heard about this remanufacturer-I understand that his boxes are outstanding and better than new.
http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 1
From: Toledo, Ohio
I have driven Fords with that much play and it is dangerous and hard to drive.
May want to check the "Rag joint" and see if the source of the play is there. I put a screwdriver thru the universal joint just above the Rag joint and then hold the screwdriver and have someone at the steering wheel check and see if the steering wheel still has 45 degrees of play. If still have the play-the source isnt the rag joint or the steering box.
May want to check the "Rag joint" and see if the source of the play is there. I put a screwdriver thru the universal joint just above the Rag joint and then hold the screwdriver and have someone at the steering wheel check and see if the steering wheel still has 45 degrees of play. If still have the play-the source isnt the rag joint or the steering box.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 32
From: Aurora,Colorado
If you look at the steering column underneath the hood-just on top of the steering box you will see that the column is connected from the upper steering column to the steering box thru what looks like two metal disc with rubber between them. This rubber isolates the road noise and road impacts from the driver's steering wheel. This set of two metal disc with this rubber in between is called a "rag joint" .
I drove a 1988 Bronco from Denver to Ft Worth and it needed a new rag joint-and it scared me to death trying to drive it on the interstate at high speed and trying to maintain a straight line . It had about 45 degrees of play.
I drove a 1988 Bronco from Denver to Ft Worth and it needed a new rag joint-and it scared me to death trying to drive it on the interstate at high speed and trying to maintain a straight line . It had about 45 degrees of play.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,069
Likes: 1
From: Toledo, Ohio
Awesome. Im gonna check that out tomorrow out of curiosity. I can feel the road when I drive also. All my suspension joints are (were) bad and I was thinking thats why I can feel it. Ive also seen steering column U-joints cause this. Maybe the rag joint is bad.
I didnt mind it all too much at first. My dad told me it came with the tires (bigger tires, I got the truck from him). I learned to drive in Florida and its not so bad cause the roads are surprisingly wide. I know this because now im up north and as you said.. trying to keep a straight line and on narrow roads can be a bit scary. I never ride along side a semi but passing one with a truck this wide and steering that loose can be a bit freaky.
Hopefully this helps Greasemanicure and AaronOregon also. Sorry to sorta take the thread but I got some helpful info out of it. Thanks Phoneman!
I didnt mind it all too much at first. My dad told me it came with the tires (bigger tires, I got the truck from him). I learned to drive in Florida and its not so bad cause the roads are surprisingly wide. I know this because now im up north and as you said.. trying to keep a straight line and on narrow roads can be a bit scary. I never ride along side a semi but passing one with a truck this wide and steering that loose can be a bit freaky.
Hopefully this helps Greasemanicure and AaronOregon also. Sorry to sorta take the thread but I got some helpful info out of it. Thanks Phoneman!
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Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,123
Likes: 4
From: Baltimore
Adjustment on steering box...
Break loose locknut just enough to turn center flat-tip screw clockwise, just snugging it up.
While holding center screw steady, re-tighten locknut. This takes up the slack in the ball-bearing/worm-screw assembly. I have the special tool, and they can be obtained at your local A/P store, but you can use wrench, and a flat tip screwdriver.
Break loose locknut just enough to turn center flat-tip screw clockwise, just snugging it up.
While holding center screw steady, re-tighten locknut. This takes up the slack in the ball-bearing/worm-screw assembly. I have the special tool, and they can be obtained at your local A/P store, but you can use wrench, and a flat tip screwdriver.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 868
Likes: 2
Unless you know EXACTLY what your doing........DO NOT adjust your steering box!!
I don't, and wouldn't even consider messing with mine!~!
crawl under the truck while a friend turns the wheel back and forth (truck NOT running).
Look at every part of the steering while the friend turns the wheel, and you will find the issue!
I don't, and wouldn't even consider messing with mine!~!
crawl under the truck while a friend turns the wheel back and forth (truck NOT running).
Look at every part of the steering while the friend turns the wheel, and you will find the issue!
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: Ft. Worth, Texas
Unless you know EXACTLY what your doing........DO NOT adjust your steering box!!
I don't, and wouldn't even consider messing with mine!~!
crawl under the truck while a friend turns the wheel back and forth (truck NOT running).
Look at every part of the steering while the friend turns the wheel, and you will find the issue!
I don't, and wouldn't even consider messing with mine!~!
crawl under the truck while a friend turns the wheel back and forth (truck NOT running).
Look at every part of the steering while the friend turns the wheel, and you will find the issue!
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,558
Likes: 2
I adjusted my steering box . i know alot of peaple say dont touch it , but i thought i would try it before replacing the box , it worked great for me , just a little at a time if you get it to tight the wheel wont come back on its own, i dont recomend this if your not comfortable doing it , if its not right it can be dangerous , then let a shop do this ...Lew
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 80
Likes: 5
Adjustment 1
Seems like I'm not the only one with a wandering Ford.
I found the rag joint. Not that.
Checked for how much play. About 30 degree spread before wheel movement.
No apparent play from the pitman arm through the rest of the front end.
I accepted the risk of adjusting. Loosened the locknut and turned the adjustment about a full turn clockwise. Much better. May have to back off some as the "return" mentioned above is not as evident.
I bookmarked the link to a new steering box in case the thing croaks.
Thanks for all the good input!
Joe
I found the rag joint. Not that.
Checked for how much play. About 30 degree spread before wheel movement.
No apparent play from the pitman arm through the rest of the front end.
I accepted the risk of adjusting. Loosened the locknut and turned the adjustment about a full turn clockwise. Much better. May have to back off some as the "return" mentioned above is not as evident.
I bookmarked the link to a new steering box in case the thing croaks.
Thanks for all the good input!
Joe