Some times I have to wonder about dealers!

I have lots of steering wheel travel between when the wheels turn and wanted to fix it if I could. I when to the dealer to get a replacement steering shaft with the double joints in it. I pulled off the old one very simply and looked at the shaft and the owner before had work done on the truck by the dealer had installed the shaft up side down!!!

The shaft has a special keyed end and a keyed and geared end. The geared end was to connect to the steering gear and the normal keyed end to the steering wheel. They had it upside down which was causing half of the play in the steering wheel. I was steering with the bolts in contact which cause 2 inches of play in the steering wheel.

SO after I changed it to the proper way, It only has 2 inches of play instead of 4 inches. The rest of the play is caused in the steering gear itself!

Note to owners: If the truck drives straight but just to much play in the steering wheel please check the steering shaft for incorrectly installed upside down!

 

Wow!! A guy has to keep a eye on them. Goodluck,,Rick