macjazzy

I installed the Rocksolidram Bushing in my truck this past weekend. The install went easily enough. Instructions were very clear etc.

But my steering is annoyingly stiff now, it is a constant effort to correct every little movement, I almost need two hands to turn it during parking lot manuevers and it will not return to center after coming out of a turn etc.

Is this normal? will it loosen up and if so how long will that take? I even tried to take it back out but I don't think it will come out without damaging it. When I tried tapping it out by the ledge it just cracked off.

I did lube the shaft with a light synthetic grease when I installed it and I cleaned the shaft before applying the grease.

Junk Man

I've had mine for less than 3 weeks & it is loosening up just fine. I shook the steering box input shaft & it's....rock solid. The real test will be does it become too loose? At least now everything comes apart easily so a reinstall will be easy.

Doj Dewd

i have heard the same thing - it is quite stiff at first but will loosen up in a while.

Doj Dewd

to those that have installed it - any tips, tricks or advice would be greatly appreciated.
i have had it now for quite a few months just sitting in the packing envelope on the work bench.
i just need some motivation to get it done. . .

macjazzy

Junkman, was yours as stiff as I'm describing when you first installed it?

Blacksilver, it is very easy, I can't think of any tips that aren't in the instructions. They are very clear and straight forward. I pulled the column. After getting the column out and seeing how easy that was I can't imagine fighting the bushing out while it still in the truck. After the first time I would bet most people can have the column out in less than ten minutes

Mule Skinner

I am experiencing the same thing, really stiff steering until what I think is the engine compartment temperature warming the bushing a little and allowing the bushing to flex a little. First thing on a cold morning really hard to steer. Then after a 15-20 minutes the steering is a little easier (or I am getting stronger) I thot about taking the bushing out and lightly sanding but not sure I can get it out w/out ruining it and needing to get a new one. Mine has been in for a couple months and seems to be getting a little bit better/user freindly. Not sure I would do it again?? The steering still wants to wander and now it is just harder to correct.

infidel

I think the tightness you experience is really just loose, worn steering going back to normal.
You all have just gotten used to loose steering.
I don't know if it's actually the steering that loosens up or it's the driver who loosens up.

Mule Skinner

I wish it was just back to normal but when you have to turn the wheel back to straight vs letting loose and it straightens itself out it is too tight. Backing a trailer with this tight of a steering system is very difficult at best. It takes 2 hands to turn. If the wheels are turned and you let go the truck will continue in circles until the steering wheel is manually turned back to a straight position.

infidel

I've installed at least ten DSS units have never experienced the wheel not self centering afterwards.
Makes me think something else is wrong and tightening up the slop is causing a bind.
You might want to check if your frame is cracked where the steering box is attached.

Junk Man

It didn't return to center after a turn. It was also stiffer when cold. It's better now & improving. I've still got a problem. Wheel turns from 11:00 to 1:00 without moving the road wheels. It's either in the new AGR box or tie rods (doesn't look like it.) Ball joints, track bar (Thuren), steering bushing, DSS brace & steering box are new.

Junk Man

He's not talking about a DSS steering brace or track bar bracket to adape a 3rd gen track bar to 2nd gen. The RockSolid bushing that fits into the bottom of the steering colums can be stiff when 1st installed.

spooled05

I need one of these for my 12v where u guys gettin them from?

infidel

I see, my bad

JoeCanuck

It's easy enough to remove the bearing and check if it spins easily.

It does sound like it may be binding. Perhaps, you could try loosening the mounting bolts to ensure the brace is centered on the steering shaft. It is important that there are no side loads on the steering shaft when everything is tightened up.