Loose steering

I have a 1995 Bronco with very loose steering. I have replaced the balljoints, axlejoints, bushings on the radiusarms and had an alinement. I still have alot of play in the steering, any suggestions on my next move? What to do? How and how much will it cost?

Thanks

Try tightening the steering box adjustment bolt. It is located right of center facing the front end. You will see a stud in a vertical position what has a lock nut and the stud itself will have a slot for a screwdriver.
Loosen the lock nut. To take the slack out of the steering, turn stud clockwise one half turn at a time. Retighten lock nut. Start your Bronco and check the play again.
Repeat until it is to your liking. Do not adjust stud more than 2 full turns. If it hasnt worked by then you have a different problem.

Also if this doesnt fix it, check the mounting bolts on your I Beam suspension bushing plate. There are 2, sometimes these loosen from off roading or just wear. They cause similiar steering problems.

Thanks! I will try that this weekend and see if it works.

I dont' know the exact name, but the plate on the interior of the engine bay can also become 'untrue' due to wear. When I bought my '85 BII, i had it in the driveway, boring out the pinchbolt and replacing it because of the wear on it. (If you vehicle has any resale value at all, check the plate, and take it to a mechanic.)

Thanks Haybaler! I tightened the bolt in the steering box, it improved the steering alot. I ended up turning it two full turns. Is it possible to over tighten it and cause damage? I may try to give it one more turn if it won't cause trouble. The steering is bareable now but could be slightly better. Then again it is a ten year old truck. I plan on putting a lift, wheels and new shocks. Should i wait untill i do that?


Thanks Again!!!!

Overtightening the steering box will cause damage. But you should be able to feel if the box is too tight. You will feel excessive resistance in the steering wheel, even with power assist. It also will not return to center on its own. If this occurs, back the screw off until the steering returns to normal. Also check for play in the steering column joints/couplers.

Overtightening the steering box will cause damage. But you should be able to feel if the box is too tight. You will feel excessive resistance in the steering wheel, even with power assist. It also will not return to center on its own. If this occurs, back the screw off until the steering returns to normal. Also check for play in the steering column joints/couplers.


Thanks for the reply! I have room to tighten the steering box more then because its nowhere near giving resistaance. Would you mind explaining how to check the steering column joints/couplers?

The steering column (shaft) has universal joints and collapsible sections between the steering wheel and the steering gearbox. Some are held in place by pinch bolts. Have someone move the steering wheel side to side while you watch for movement at the box. Then check each section of the shaft, from the connecting joint at the box, the collapsible section, and the u-joint under the dash for excessive play. Sometimes the only problem is a loose pinch bolt, but the joints tend to wear as well.

[QUOTE=dxrflyboy]The steering column (shaft) has universal joints and collapsible sections between the steering wheel and the steering gearbox. Some are held in place by pinch bolts. Have someone move the steering wheel side to side while you watch for movement at the box. Then check each section of the shaft, from the connecting joint at the box, the collapsible section, and the u-joint under the dash for excessive play. Sometimes the only problem is a loose pinch bolt, but the joints tend to wear as well.[/QUOTE

Thanks, I will check it out!