Steering components question - Diesel Forum

GregW · 05-02-2005, 07:49 AM

Having the second replacement steering gear box put in today. First one did nothing for the play in the steering wheel. Still able to go about 1.5 inches EITHER direction with the steering wheel BEFORE the front tires move. I am having this installed by a reputable alignment shop. BESIDES the steering gear box, what else could possibly cause this issue? BTW, I have already replaced the tie rod ends, steering stabilizer, and the front sway bar bushings to TRY to correct a wandering issue. The steering gear DID fix the wandering issue, but there is still WAY to much play in the steering wheel. The mechanic has checked everything he can think of in the steering components (rag joints, linkages in the steering column, adjustment nuts on the gear box itself). The ball joints are good according to him. Just the play in the steering wheel is way out of whack. Any other items to have a look at? Is there something IN the steering wheel itself that could be worn out or needs adjustment? I am looking for any suggestions you folks might have :~>

Thanks for the time and the information,

greg

FamilyRide · 05-02-2005, 01:05 PM

Before replacing the gearbox, did you have it adjusted? If not, before doing anything else, adjust it and I'll bet your problem is gone. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

GregW · 05-03-2005, 07:39 AM

Good news. The second steering gear fixed the problem. Now when I turn the steering wheel, the wheels actually turn. Woo Hoo !!! Even the mechanic doing the work was amazed. I think he thought I was kidding when I told him the Excursion still didn't drive right after he put in the first steering gear. He replaced it, again, and now all is fine. I did notice that the second one was TOTALLY different then the first one though. The first one was square shaped on top. The one that works is more of an elliptical shape. The first one (square shaped) had four bolts and the adjustment nut. The one that works has only 2 bolts and the adjustment nut. They both came from the same Ford dealer. Not sure if there is anything to be gained from that knowledge, but I thought I would pass it on anyway.

BTW, I had adjusted and adjusted the steering gear BEFORE I took it to the mechanic. He adjusted it as well before he replaced it. It was just bad.(worn out I reckon) he tried to adjust the first one he replaced and it still never would work correctly. The second went in and worked perfectly with no adjustments needed.

greg

DouglasH · 05-03-2005, 02:45 PM

I have the same problem. Is the part number the same for those? And could you post them?

GregW · 05-03-2005, 02:55 PM

I have no idea what the part numbers are. I will try to find out though. I do know that the mechanic got them both from the same FORD dealer in town. I was surprised when I saw the "different" shaped one. The first one he replaced looked exactly like the original. The second one is totally different.

greg