Loose steering!!!

[stephen steward]

I can't seem to get rid of the massive amount of play in my steering wheel. I have replaced the steering gear box 3 times and nothing. I can watch the play where the columns connects to the gear box but I can't seem to make it stop. Am I getting junk rebuilt gear boxes???

P.S.

It's not the rubber bushing on the steering column and all of my linkages on the front end are new.

 

[shift1313]

when you replaced these steering boxes did you setup up the preload on the gearsets? there is a set ***** and jamb nut on the top of the boxes that you uses to tighten up the boxes.

 

[stephen steward]

I tried to adjust the first two but all it seemed to do is make the steering real twitchy. Some people told me to adjust it and others said that it does nothing for it. I have not done anything to the one that I have on it currently. Should I ***** it in or out???

 

[shift1313]

It certainly does help and reduce wear when done correctly. It puts a preload on the gear set making them engage.

I dont recall exactly but i believe the procedure is loosen the jamb nut, turn the set ***** in until it bottoms out, then back it out 1/2 turn and lock the jamb nut down.

can you give me a little more info on the truck? is it stock. lift big tires? etc

 

[stephen steward]

It's a 94 XLT with a 4" lift and 33's. The steering was loose before I put the lift on though. Thanks for the help.

 

[shift1313]

if you dont already have one i would put at least a single steering damper on. It will take some stress off your tie rods.

So you say you can see the play between the steering shaft and the pitman arm so its in the gear box? or did i misread something?

There is a ujoint inside your steering column and a few bearings. The rag joint and the gear box, there isnt much else in line really.

Does the steering feel loose at all speeds or just certain speeds?

Its possible your toe-in is set incorrectly and causing your truck to wander making it feel loose. You want 0-1/4" of toe in. This causes your front end to "self-center". if for some reason your truck has a little toe-out one wheel might try to go left/right, while the other wants to go straight.

Have you noticed any odd tire wear?

 

[JLasvegas]

what shape is the steering coupler in?

 

[BroncoJoe19]

I am certain that miesk5 has instructions on his site regarding how to adjust that ***** properly. It appears to be quite a proceedure including the use of a torque wrench.

www.broncolinks.com

I brought mine to a front end specialist last year. HE explained to me that my ball joints were too tight, that broncos do that, and that when I turned the steering wheel, that the body was moving before the wheels would turn. This would cause me to overcompensate as I travel down the road.

I swapped out the ball joints and he was absolutely right!

 

[stephen steward]

I have a steering damper installed on it as well. You read correctly; I have had someone else move the steering wheel where it it loose and i can watch the shaft turn where it connects to the gear box. The pitman arm does not move while you work the wheel back and fourth where the play is. The play is there while sitting still in the driveway or at any speed. The rag joint appears to be in great shape. Thanks for all of the help.

 

[BroncoJoe19]

So it appears to be in the box itself.

Take a look at the instructions listed at http://www.broncolinks.com to see if that helps.

Good luck with it.