Well I've had problems with my front end for as long as I can imagine. Wandering and bumpsteer seem to be the major problem. Here is a list of what I've replaced: Steering box, Track bar, and the TRE @ the pitman arm, and I still have this wandering problem. Its like my front end just moves around by itself. So I kind of bounce from line to line everytime I hit a bump in the road. What else could it be? steering shaft? And also I just had my front end aligned and my right front keeps cupping and wearing the outside faster than the inside. How can I fix that?

My truck has 130k on it and still has stock shocks and everything. I've only replaced what I have listed above. Isnt it about time for some new control arm bushings? Mine seemed pretty cracked. Would that cause wandering too?

Thanks

 

Have you tightened (adjusted) the steering box yet? What kinda of tires are you running?

 

No, I thought it came adjusted already and did not mess with it. Check my sig. My right front has always worn faster on the outside. My left front has never given me a problem.

 

Steering shaft can have play in it causing wander(grab and push up and down), and adjust steering box properly. If box is adjusted too tight or too loose it will also do as you describe. Change out steering damper.

Funny I have 200,000 + kms with no front end issues at all, except adjusting box.

Check front end out for loose components, check wheel bearing on right side for looseness, and ball joint. Did they do a 4 wheel alignment? Check tire pressures, could be a separating tire inside, rotate front to back, does it get better? They should have stated any problems, as it is difficult to do 4 wheel alignment if any parts are worn out in front end. Take it to a different shop if you can't find any of these symptoms yourself.

 

When the bushings start cracking, it's a sign that some deterioration is taking place, but could still be in spec. The best way to check them is to have someone in the cab turning the steering wheel about a half turn each direction while you watch the suspension for unwanted movement. If a joint moves sideways, it is probably bad. Steering gears are supposed to be properly adjusted when you get them, but it is always a good idea to check them after installation to make sure the gear is in spec. The right tire always cupping and wearing sounds like the rear axle is out of alignment. Possible spring pins or bushings. If you lifted your suspension, it can cause steering instability and may require steering mods to correct. Good luck

 

Well I adjusted the box and it is much better. It still needs to be adjusted a bit more then it'll be right.

Now I'm hearing a little pop when I turn to the right. Any ideas on what that would be? I'll let yall know what else I hear after my class.

Hemi Cat- I had my rear end aligned the same time I had my front end aligned. How can I check the spring pins? And do you mean my bushings that are in my spring packs?

Thanks guys.

 

When you adjust the steering gear, you have to make sure it is centered first. Turn the steering wheel extreme left, then as you turn to the right count the turns, divide turns in half and turn back. You are now centered. Adjust the gear in this position only. If you are off center and adjust the gear, you will be too tight going over center and damage the gear box. (cracking or locking up completely) The best way to locate your poping noise is to get someone to turn the wheel through the poping while you check for the source.
The spring pin I was referring to is the spring pack bolt that holds the spring together in the center, it also serves as the centering locator to keep your rear axle aligned. If the bolt head breaks off it will allow the axle to move or shift causing it to "dog trac", this will usually cause one front tire to wear more than the other. You said you had the rear end aligned at the front end shop. They are "supposed" to check all that when they do the 4 wheel alignment. A quick way for you to verify it is to use a tape measure between the front and rear tires. Both sides should be within 1/4 in. This does not guanantee 4 wheel alignment due to possible front wheel setback. It is only a quick check to give you direction for your next step.
Keep us posted on your progress and we will get it figured out. Good luck

 

Ball Joints. Raise the front end and try and shake your tire back and fourth. Also use a pry bar and see if you can get some vericle travel. The right turn pop gives it away. Mine went at 60K, Get NAPA, after replacement like night and day.

 

Does this pop occur when turning the wheel at a dead stop with the truck idling? If so, its a problem in the box itself. I had it happen on an AGR box with less than 10k miles on it.

 

If you have the stock shocks on there I wouldn't look any further before you throw those suckers to the curb!!

Replace the shocks ASAP with a good set of Bilsteins or something similar..


Been there done that more times than I want to think about.

Stay away from the Monroe shocks, I had three sets in 100 000 km and gave up on them.


Jason