Hey folks,

So, I've been putting on working on this, but with the alternator going recently, I've decided it's time to fix my woes before winter.

My steering...it's a bit on the loose side, and when I drive down the road the wheel is definitely not straight. Sometimes, when I turn, it feels really tight.

My truck has a Borgenson shaft. In the last ~20k miles I've rebuilt my kingpins, replaced the axle u-joints, replaced tie rod ends, replaced pitman arm.

The steering shaft has play inside the column (you can grab it above the steering box and move it around a bit).

Due to that tightness I've felt in steering (intermittently) I recently pumped everything in the front end full of grease, figuring a dry spot in the kingpins could cause it. Did not make a difference.

Anyway, I would like to address this because...well, if it ceases to steer that big fella could hurt a lot of people driving in NJ traffic.

Thanks!

d

 

Have you check the gear box mounting plate for cracks are breakage and same for the frame? When my plate broke it only broke one ear off. I limited it home but the steering was very spongy

 

Your rag joint could also be shot.

 

He said he has a Borgeson, but that could have a rag or a double u-joint...

Either way, if you put the borgeson in, I'm sure he put a new rag in there as well...if tis optioned that way.

My guess, since you say it's "intermittent" is a bad PS gear or pump. If its not consistent, then most of the time it's internal pressures that can cause that issue. As long as your plate isn't cracked and the box isn't moving, I suggest that you adjust your gear (MINIMALLY) and see what happens. Failing pump pressure can cause this a well...

 

Intermittent tightness could be relative to speed or direction of turn.

 

Well, it is generally a low speed thing, say under 35. I was thinking of replacing the gear box, but then got into the issue of should I use a $100 rebuilt Cardone or should I go to a good joint (Redhead or the like)...and then there's the upper steering column issues...is it worth getting a $350 box when it'll be connected to a loose column.

Thanks for the replies, I surely appreciate the help.

 

Describe your "loose column".

Both of my rides had some play in the column, but I would think that it's somewhat normal to have lateral play in the column itself. Is this the lateral play, or if you twist it, it doesn't move the wheel back and forth?

 

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Mine does the same exact thing. Lateral play is normal for these 20 year old bricks. I thought you were having play when you "twisted" the shaft, but since you cleared that up, I guess you have a "gear or pump" issue.


Keep us posted.


Btw...... Clean that engine compartment, PLEASE !

 

Well, it took me all weekend, but I:

Replaced the Steering Pump
Replaced the High Pressure Line
Flushed the Low Pressure Line
Replaced the Steering Gear
Lubed the crap out of everything that could be lubed
Changed my Oil
Finished up the Alternator swap from last weekend.

It's like a new truck!

Although, I think the gear I replaced must have been aftermarket, as it seemed to turn a lot quicker (maybe 3 instead of 4).

Anyway, happy guy! She's ready for the winter now.

 

Glad to hear all is well.

 

You're not ready for winter, my friend...



You didn't put "cleaned my engine compartment" on your list.



Get out there and get r done..... biach !

 

Well the slip joint on my front drive shaft has been seized for a few years so it's been sitting in the garage... Would be nice to get that fixed before winter... The engine bay cleanliness doesn't really bother me all that much. :-)

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