Steering column play F-350 7.3

[gpwhite7]

F-350 Steering column has play in it. Can feel it right to left. Appears to be where the two different column join together. Not the universal, but where the two shafts spline together. Is this normal to have this type of play? Or is there something I can replace?

[ModMech]

I'm a little confused.

The column is a seperate piece and the steering SHAFT runs thru the column which is bolted to the dash assembly.

Under the dash, there is a splined joint where the upper shaft connects to the lower shaft. There is a universal joint here too, but you descrive the play as in the splined parts. The male and female splined parts are clamped togather by a bolt. If this bolt is missing or loose, it is INCREDIBALLY DANGEROUS to operate the vehicle in that condition. Please torque or replace the bolt ASAP, and do not operate it until this is done.

[rwhaight1]

Mod mec

the f-350 is mine, gpwhite posted it for me. The spline is between the fire wall and the power sterring box. there is only slight movement, but enough to make me wonder. the spline is under some kind of plstic gaurd. does this tell you anything??

[ModMech]

Ahh, ok. That's totally different.

There is a "collapsable tube" between the firewall and the lower steering "u-joint" (sometimes it's a real joint, sometimes just a rubber disc). If the play is in that part, you will need to replace it. If the play is under the plastic guard, it could be in the joint itself, or where the joint connects to the steering gear input shaft, which IS splined. All splined connections are bolted and indexed. If the joint is loose AT THE SPLINE, either Tq the bolt or replace it if broken or stretched. Proper Tq is about 30 ft-lbs.

[rwhaight1]

thanks