Steering box issues

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 6, 2009 | 06:03 PM

afastone

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 52

Likes: 0

Steering box issues

My steering box went on my 01 250, basically the input from the steering wheel didn't equal what was happening at the wheels, this was a slowly deteriorating problem that ended with the box having no power to hold the wheels from wandering causing serious wobble. So I changed the box with one from a salvage yard, the box looked ruff but it felt tight when I turned it by hand. Well after the install the truck has the same issues no on center feel the wheels go where they want and the truck shakes, when I pulled it back in I checked to see if I had tie rod problems or wheel bearing\ball joint issues everything is thight. Did I just get a box as bad as the one I was replacing or am I facing another problem, also with the truck running and one side jacked up should I be able to push against the tire and make the wheel turn?

Nov 6, 2009 | 06:31 PM

EXv10

Post Fiend

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 11,798

Likes: 14

From: Mt. Shasta California

I the new wrecking yard box acted exactly the same I would bet both boxes were GOOD. Has your PS pump and belt ever been replaced?

Nov 6, 2009 | 07:52 PM

r_outsider

New User

Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 15

Likes: 0

Try adjusting the box. There's a hex key screw on the top with a lock nut on it. Hold the hex key steady while you back off(& re tighten)the lock nut. Tighten the hex screw about an eighth of a turn at a time until the play is gone, don't over tighten it or you really will need a new box.

Nov 6, 2009 | 09:45 PM

EXv10

Post Fiend

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 11,798

Likes: 14

From: Mt. Shasta California

+ 1 on the above. There are posts on it if you do a search.

Nov 7, 2009 | 06:27 AM

afastone

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 52

Likes: 0

Quote:

Originally Posted by EXv10

I the new wrecking yard box acted exactly the same I would bet both boxes were GOOD. Has your PS pump and belt ever been replaced?

How would the pump affect slop in the steering? I know my old box is shot since I can turn the input shaft a good bit before the output shaft starts moving.

Quote:

Originally Posted by r_outsider

I'll try this today.

Nov 7, 2009 | 11:36 AM

afastone

Thread Starter

Junior User

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 52

Likes: 0

Did the tightening of the hex nut on top of the box pretty much took care of the truck shacking while going down the road, but I still have the following problems.
1) The box won't stay on center it take more turns to the right then to the left also less turning radius, I thought that I put the pitman arm on wrong so I took it back made sure it took the same amount of turns to go full chock each side centered put arm back on same problem. Not right away just after turning the steering wheel back and forth for a few , the center started moving back to where it was before I took the box out.
2) It steers easily to the right then back to center but turning left is hard to do.
3) While driving down the road if I jerk the steering I get a quick resistance then it turns.
Any help would be greatly appreciated I need to fix this so I can stop driving the company minivan. Push come to shove I will call the yard I got the box from and tell them it's no good.

Nov 7, 2009 | 04:24 PM

EXv10

Post Fiend

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 11,798

Likes: 14

From: Mt. Shasta California

The PS pump and belt affect the box quite a bit. I would make sure those are good first. You should be able to turn the wheel lock to lock with your foot off the brake, idling.