What did my steering go so bad?
02-24-2017, 08:20 AM
#16
Registered User
Pat is 100% right on with that advice.
You should be able to see something loose with a helper working the steering wheel as you check things out.
You should be able to see something loose with a helper working the steering wheel as you check things out.
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mknittle (02-24-2017)
02-24-2017, 12:44 PM
#17
Administrator
Good advice so far, but the very first thing I would do is while it is setting on the ground, engine off, a helper, any helper at the wheel, have them turn the wheel back and forth while you physically start at the bottom of the steering column and following it all the way to the tie rod ends, inspecting each and every area while it is in motion. If it is not the axle u-joints, something WILL be moving excessively, or worse, flopping around.
If the truck is as loose as you describe, this one shouldn't be too difficult to see where it is coming from, here again, assuming it isn't the axle u-joint.
I would pay very, very close attention to the frame, mounting bracket, and bolts of the steering box......... Because to me, it sounds like something broke while you were driving.
If the truck is as loose as you describe, this one shouldn't be too difficult to see where it is coming from, here again, assuming it isn't the axle u-joint.
I would pay very, very close attention to the frame, mounting bracket, and bolts of the steering box......... Because to me, it sounds like something broke while you were driving.
02-24-2017, 03:24 PM
#18
I recently replaced my adapter plate after the old one broke (thanks Oliver) and it was easy to see the broken plate through the fender well. I don't know if they break the same or not, but I could clearly see that the bottom bolt hole ear was completely broken off and the front one was cracked with another half inch to being completely broken off. The top one was not yet cracked...Mark
In 2015 mine cracked like Marks did. Glad I kept that spare one.
02-25-2017, 12:22 AM
#19
Registered User
Billut, your steering symptoms are exactly what I went through years ago. Front axle u-joints! Driving on the freeway I was suddenly fighting the wheel to stay in my lane, first to the right then to the left. Getting off the freeway it didn't want to turn right then suddenly "released" and I made the right hand bend in the offramp. Scary $#@!T. Do as others have recommended and check everything out to make sure all components are safe. Then put jack stands under the front diff, unlock the steering column, work the steering by hand and figure out which axis of the u-joint(s) is(are) frozen. If you find one axis on each axle that works, you may be able to wire the axle so that it doesn't rotate far enough to mess with the steering. Drive at your own risk and don't kill nobody!
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