Steering Wheel Play - Diesel Forum

swc · 07-02-2009, 05:04 PM

Hi Guys,

Truck is a '97 F350 CC Dually auto with 129K miles. For the last couple of years there is a bit of play in the steering. It feels a little "loose" for the first inch or so of travel when turning right and then it "stiffens" up and feels normal. You really don't feel this when the wheel is turned to the left. The truck tracks straight on the road and does not wander. I just replaced all 4 shocks since they were original and my "floating" has disappeared but apart from this work, I assume that all the front end parts are stock/original. Any thoughts of where I should start looking. Don't really want to spend a lot since the truck will likely be traded within 2 yrs and the steering hasn't gotten worse, it's more of a case of "I know this isn't exactly right" and if the fix is relatively simple I will do it.

Thanks!!

PowerstrokeConverters · 07-02-2009, 05:07 PM

Seems to me that "If it ain't broken, don't fix it" sounds about the perfect saying right now.

PowerstrokeConverters · 07-02-2009, 05:09 PM

But....lol.....again, do a safety check, as long as nothing is coming loose or breaking apart, mine has a lot of play, the only solution was to install 2 steering stabilizers , but I still have that damn play.....and it will be there until I stop spending in all the other mods that to me seem to be a better $$ spent lol

shelby85 · 07-02-2009, 09:34 PM

Yes the adjustment does take up slack. Done right it won't cause binding. Jack up the truck Turn the wheel full cut and count the turns back to the other stop. Then center the wheel by backing it off half that amount. This might not be straight. Then tighten the screw, back it off a little like a 1/4 turn, lock it down and test it for binding. Do this by turning it back forth, it will bind only at the high point or center. Do this with the engine off. If you don't feel any you should be good to go. If your box is too far gone this might not completely fix it, but it will help.

**Dick Cutting** · 07-02-2009, 09:41 PM

That was an issue with the steering column shaft for trucks in that era. I had to have my column shaft replaced in my '97. It became sloppy and it was because the two shafts, which one slides inside the other, became worn and then loose. It was a problem that dealerships often fixed on other people's trucks too.

aposak · 07-06-2009, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dick Cutting

That was an issue with the steering column shaft for trucks in that era. I had to have my column shaft replaced in my '97. It became sloppy and it was because the two shafts, which one slides inside the other, became worn and then loose. It was a problem that dealerships often fixed on other people's trucks too.

Any test you know of to isolate a worn column shaft?

**Dick Cutting** · 07-07-2009, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aposak

Any test you know of to isolate a worn column shaft?

Just move the steering wheel slightly and observe if any movement is made in the steering box. The issue is the wear in the shafts that slide together.

Txfishermn · 07-09-2009, 12:58 PM

Some of us have a tendency to grab the wheel to assist us with getting in. The steering shaft wears out and the bearings go. Don't wait to fix this. It cost me a new shaft, only available from FORD, plust three days repair time. Luckily I have an extra car but it's still not a fun job to do. The wheel gets all sloppy in the column and could lock up. Hence you won't be able to steer it!