Steering Column Issues
 

Hey all, I've got some major steering issues with my 90 w250. I'm hoping someone out there can help me out or at least point me in the right direction. Here's the problem....I noticed a few weeks ago the the steering wheel seemed to be turned funny when the wheels were straight going down the road...i couldn't find anything loose so I thought maybe I was just loosing my mind and that's how it had always been. The only thing I did notice was the tilt on the column was very loose and would move up and down and side to side probably an inch each way.... so yesterday morning I got in it to go to work and now the steering wheel is completely upside down when the wheels are straight. So I know something is not right now but I'm not sure where to began to look. I don't want to tear the column apart if that's not the problem but I'm pretty sure that's where its at. The truck drives down the road and steers fine its just that the wheel itself is all messed up now and I don't want something to break or fall off while I'm driving it so until I get it sorted out the ol girl is going to be sitting in the shop. Any help/ideas/advice would be greatly appreciated. The faster and cheaper I can get back on the road the better! Thanks all!

something kind of similar was happening to my truck recently. I climbed under there and had a close look at the steering box to find all the bolts that hold the steering box to the mouting plate about ready to fall off.

#1) As mentioned, have a good look at the steering box mounting plate. They like to crack, and I have even seen two that had broken and allowed the steering box to come right off the frame. Have a good look at the steering coupler while you are there.

#2) Have a good look at the REAR axle and see if the U-bolts have loosened off and spit out the lift block partially. People don't tend to look at their rear axle when their steering wheel goes off center, but this will be the first symptom you will notice.

I'm sure you realize whatever the cause, it is pretty serious and it will cause loss of control at some point. I hope you find it soon.

Dont drive it until you find the problem if its not the steering box bracket it is the top of your column coming apart! mine started that and then one night as i turned the corner the gear shift lever hit me in the knee and i lost all steering . you need to do a through inspection ASAP!

Thanks for the input I'm going to check those things out in the morning when i get back to the shop. I did some more research online tonight and I think I might have found a solution to the loose tilt steering wheel problem anyways...there's a plastic joint in there I believe ( haven't tore into it yet) and I'm sure it can wear out....I found a source online for a replacement for like 11 bucks plus shipping so I think while I'm at it I'm going to replace that also.

UPDATE......Found the problem! The bracket that holds the power steering pump on is broke big time....gonna have to get the welder out for that.... on a better note tho I did get the sloppy tilt steering fix. I tore the whole column apart and tightened the 4 bolts that hold the thing together. Made a big difference but it was a huge pain in the butt. Hopefully all goes well with the bracket fix and the ol girl is back on the road tomorrow.

So as not to mis-lead anyone, the actual power-steering pump itself is mounted onto the engine; it is the STEERING GEAR that is on the broken bracket.

There are a few reinforcing braces and reinforced brackets available from various suppliers that stouten up the breakage-prone bracket; maybe someone can provide a link or pictures of some of them.:cool:

This link will lead you to the brace:

http://www.dodgeconnection.com/catal...66/4541374.htm

The Mopar part number for the new mounting bracket is 5203 7876 and the list price is $17.30 but if the parts counter at your local Dodge dealer is in a good mood it can be had for $13.84. At this price it's better to get a new unit than to try and weld the broken one.

it looks like it would but, would that brace work on a 2wd?

Follow that link. Click on the tab reading "View Product Images." This will take you to three images (photographs), one of which shows the part installed on a two-wheel drive vehicle. :)