Can't get rid of play in the steering

[Steppin Razor]

I've been working on my steering system as I've been able. Cannot seem to get the play out.

I have replaced:
Rag joint
Steering gearbox
Pitman Arm
Idler Arm
Tie rods
Upper Control Arms.
Rebuilt the power steering pump

I also had to replace the ignition rack and sector gear, which means going in through the steering wheel, and tightened those torx bolts. Replaced the bearings in that collar around the assembly as well.


I adjusted the steering box at the back and the pitman arm.

If I stand by the door with the hood up, I can see the steering shaft move when I turn the steering wheel within the play zone.

I'm starting to suspect that maybe the gearbox (Cardone) I got from RockAuto is not good. There doesn't seem to be enough adjustment range in the pitman arm adjuster. I hope it's not it because that's pretty mugh the highest priced and PITA-est thing to replace. Before I think about that, anyone have other ideas?

 

[Edelbrock]

I'm assuming that you adjusted the steering box properly.

One time I had a heck of a time tracking down steering play on a rig. Everything was adjusted and double checked but it still wasn't right. Turned out that the leaf spring U-bolts were not tight enough, and the axle would wander around causing steering play when driving. So you might check that.

 

[Ricko1966]

This is the proper method to adjust the steering box.

 

[Ricko1966]

Lay under the truck,have someone work the wheel back and forth while you watch all the separate components for movement. You are going to see what moves and what doesnt.

 

[Edelbrock]

Front wheel bearing play? Might check that. What is the exact symptom you want to remedy? Truck wanders, too much steering wheel play before the steering system responds? Stiff steering?

 

[DoubleDingo]

I didn't see lower control arms or ball joints on the list.

 

[TotalyHucked]

As said, have someone sit in the truck and work the wheel back and forth, you'll see what moves. Lower balljoints/control arms or steering center link could be the culprit. Also, the frame horns on these trucks move ALOT. I rebuilt my entire front end when I bought my truck and still had some play. Had my dad move the wheel while I was underneath and the whole front crossmember (where the brake prop valve is) and front of the frame horns were twisting. '81-up went to a front crossmember with huge holes cut out for lightness, but it's much less stiff

 

[Steppin Razor]

Front wheel bearing play? Might check that. What is the exact symptom you want to remedy? Truck wanders, too much steering wheel play before the steering system responds? Stiff steering?

Steering wheel play before it responds. Wheel bearings have been replaced, didn't affect steering play

I didn't see lower control arms or ball joints on the list.

Correct, they have not been done yet. I ordered the ball joints, but do not have them yet.



I adjusted the steering box correctly, I had learned about that before I replaced it.

 

[Edelbrock]

If you go to Les Schwab and ask them to tell you what is wrong with the steering - they will diagnose it for free in the hopes that you will pay them to fix it. Just ask for a repair quote, and it will list all the issues that they can find. The specialize in these types of diagnostics.

 

[Camar068]

My k10 was loose as hell because the pitman arm was not tight enough. I had installed it to torque and ran it for a year.....slop. Local shop put some uga-duga's on it.....fixed immediately.

 

[idahovette]

If you go to Les Schwab and ask them to tell you what is wrong with the steering - they will diagnose it for free in the hopes that you will pay them to fix it. Just ask for a repair quote, and it will list all the issues that they can find. The specialize in these types of diagnostics.

My Les Schwab here specializes in making money. If you took it in here you would get an estimate of HUNDEDS of dollars if not more. Some may be good, but they DON'T make money on making estimates and for the corporate world , that's the name if the game.

 

[Edelbrock]

My Les Schwab here specializes in making money. If you took it in here you would get an estimate of HUNDEDS of dollars if not more. Some may be good, but they DON'T make money on making estimates and for the corporate world , that's the name if the game.

It's not just your local Les Schwab - its all of the Les Schwab locations. They are all very much so in the business of making money. I don't suggest actually having Les Schwab do the work. Just have them do the complete shake down of the front end - free of charge. Then use that written estimate to decide what repairs that you want to perform yourself.

 

[idahovette]

Yeah, but what I am saying is they want to replace it even if it's NOT bad or loose!! Some of my customers used to come in and say "I can't drive my rig any more cause Schwab says it's dangerous".................. a little loose maybe, but come on....scare tactics??? I would check it and either verify or deny the parts in question. ALWAYS told them I could do the job for Schwab's price So their estimate may or may NOT be accurate?

 

[Radiohead]

Schwab used to be top shelf. Since the old man left, it's not the same and the popcorn sucks.

 

[Radiohead]

All this work assumes that the rear end of things is stable and not wallowing around on worn hangers/bushings or loose u bolts, right?