Play in the steering wheel

[twsiv]

Hey, I'm new to my truck, but luvin it so far....
Since I've had it, May07, I've had issue with the play in the steering wheel. There was a short linkage arm that had alot of lateral play in it, I had it replaced. The Wheel play was reduced after the linkage arm replacement but not gone, so during my latest oil change I greased the sealed joint on the linkage arm. I filled the joint pretty full of grease and that stiffened up the play but it's still pretty loose. The joint doesn't seem to bleed out old grease, so I'm leary of putting to much grease in the joint. Can I over fill it and if so how do you know when it's got the correct amount? With the joint full of grease and the play reduced, could this be the answer to my steering play issue? or am I just stuffing a joint with grease only to have the boot blowout and need to replace it and still have my loose steering wheel?

Thanks in advance for the opinions!

Taylor

 

[CHPMustang]

Taylor it could be that the steering box gearing may need some adjustment but not much. I could come by to tweak the steering,just lemme know

 

[SMOKNZ]

What is the adjusting procedure?

 

[CHPMustang]

With the engine shut off go to the top of the steering box.
There'll be a allen screw with a locknut on it.
The allen screw should be a 3/16" & the locking nut is 5/8"(anyone correct me)
Loosen the locking nut while holding the allen screw stable,now the allen screw should be turned clockwise in 1/4 increments,I'd do one increment and tighten the locknut down.

Take the truck out for a quick drive to see if the steering is more precise with less play,if it's not go back and add another 1/4 clockwise increment with the allen screw,lock it down and test again.

If the mesh gears are cranked down too hard they could be damaged so adjust with care.

 

[RoyBoy]

CHP's got it, but FIRST you should check your tie rods for play, if they are loose, you will not be able to get the play out of the steering by adjusting the box. Also check the ball joints, they should not have much in-out play and they need to be grease really well (assuming they have fittings) tight/ loose ball joints will make the steering seem "loose" too.

 

[CHPMustang]

CHP's got it, but FIRST you should check your tie rods for play, if they are loose, you will not be able to get the play out of the steering by adjusting the box. Also check the ball joints, they should not have much in-out play and they need to be grease really well (assuming they have fittings) tight/ loose ball joints will make the steering seem "loose" too.

Exactly

 

[twsiv]

oh yee of inifinate PSD wisdom, many thanks for such insight, may the God of 12oz Frosty Cold Beverages forever find you refreshed.

turns out the grease joint I thought didn't bleed, actually did, must have just been low. I'll do the inspection tomorrow and before I do anything, Bill I may swing by your place and let you take a looksy.

Thanks!