Play in steering problem..

[DoCTa09]

Hey I have a 2003 sonoma pick up 2wd 4.3L.. I have a considerable amount of play in my steering from the steering wheel to the pump...How do I correct this? Is the pump worn? Is this normal? There are 150 000km on the truck and I just changed the outer tie rod ends as they were worn and the dust boots literally missing. Thanks for all info..shaun

[maxwedge]

Steering wheel to pump? no connection here., not clear what you are saying .

[DoCTa09]

I am talking about the shaft that connects the steering wheel to the power steering pump...There is a lot of play from left to right before there is any input to the pump or output from it...Is that any clearer..or am I missing a component?

[maxwedge]

Do you mean the gear box, the pump has nothing to do with the steering directly?

[DoCTa09]

Well if that is what the shaft from the steering wheel connects to..then I suppose that is it...Does the gear box develop play over time??

[maxwedge]

Yes it can.

[DoCTa09]

So the shaft goes into the gear box and then to the pump??

[MagicRat]

No. The shaft goes to the gear box. Below the gear box is a lever called the 'pitman arm'. The pitman arm connects to the wheels through a linkage called the 'drag link'.

The pump is not directly related. All it does is provide hydraulic fluid under pressure to the gear box. This provides the 'power' assist (hence the term 'power steering'. If the pump was disconnected, you could still steer the truck. It would just take more effort.

[DoCTa09]

so your best guess as to my problem based on the symptom would be what exactly?? Worn gears in the box?

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by DoCTa09

so your best guess as to my problem based on the symptom would be what exactly?? Worn gears in the box?

Most steering boxes do have an adjusting screw (with a locknut). Loosen the locknut and turn the screw in just a little. Rock the steering shaft by hand very gently as you turn the screw and you should feel the play diminish.

When the play is gone, tighten the locknut, making sure the screw does not move.

The tricky part about doing this is to not turn the screw too far. That will make the steering too stiff and you will lose the self-centering when you drive out of a turn.
That screw is very sensitive. A small movement of the screw equals a big difference in play.

Finally, you will find that the box will need adjusting again after maybe 10,000 miles. For some reason when they wear out enough to need adjusting, they loosen up again pretty quickly.

[DoCTa09]

When I am making this adjustment...Do I have the engine running or just the coloumn unlocked?

[MagicRat]

Just unlocked. Do not run the engine.... you will not get the same feel for the play plus it's too hot and hazardous with the engine running.