Help Needed with Loose Steering
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Junior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 81
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Help Needed with Loose Steering
My steering has become very loose over time. I would say I have play in the steering wheel until about the 1-2 o'clock position. Does anyone have a tutorial on tightening the steering box. I have never done this. I do have one ball joint that is just starting to go out, but this loose steering has been around longer.
1999, f350, 4x4, 175K, no lift, non-dually.
1999, f350, 4x4, 175K, no lift, non-dually.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
first fix the ball joint and check all tie-rod ends. On the top of your steering box as you look down from the open hood there is a bolt sticking up with a jamb nut, loosen the jamb nut then with an allen wrench adjust in (clockwise) until resistance is felt and then back off 1/8 to 1/4 turn. Should be good to go after that. But first make sure all steering and suspension components are right and tight.
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 7,092
Likes: 145
From: San Diego, CA
I had a bad wander in my steering too. New tie rods (all 4 with heim joints) and ball joints (all 4) and it's better but still present. Next will be an adjustment to the steering box and, if that doesn't work, it will be a new steering gearbox and pitman arm. I have heard good things about the Red Head Steering box.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,866
Likes: 8
From: Fleetwood, PA
My steering has become very loose over time. I would say I have play in the steering wheel until about the 1-2 o'clock position. Does anyone have a tutorial on tightening the steering box. I have never done this. I do have one ball joint that is just starting to go out, but this loose steering has been around longer.
1999, f350, 4x4, 175K, no lift, non-dually.
1999, f350, 4x4, 175K, no lift, non-dually.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 274
Likes: 0
I had steering issue also untill I replaced the drag link and all my ball joints, now steers like it is suppose to.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,346
Likes: 4
From: Connecticut
Adjusting the steering box is only a temp fix at best in my experience.. But do as told above because its almost certainly a combination of all steering components and if money allows buy a red head steering box.. Mine steers perfect now..
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