Steering shaft Rag joint

[67mann]

Well Used But seriously how does it steer? looks like that could let loose at any point-----but I aint no Xpert. QC I check all my parts and my application---pretty sure I got what I need,but THX for the offer

[BiggDogg]

Yeah steering is loose so I'm trying to diagnose... Rag joints seem to be a popular culprit of loose steering, so figured I'd post mine and see what you guys think, and learn from the more experienced what steps to take next with the diagnosis...

[kaptnkaos]

Hey BiggDogg

The usual signs are mostly visual...
when the rubber piece look like yours, it needs to be replaced...
Loose steering, grabby steering (like it grabs and releases)...
Worse case scenero, it will completely let go on ya...
I'm not exactly sure why Ford used that technology unless it was intended to dampen some of the road vibrations.
I think the U-joint style coupler works much better...

KaptnKA S

[BiggDogg]

Thanks Kaptn, I'll replace it and see how it goes from there. Biggest challenge with steering is (for example) when you hit a groove in the road, or finish passing a semi, trying to get the truck straight again is a challenge.

[kaptnkaos]

Hey BiggDogg,

Loose kingpins can cause that, as can running bias ply tires.
I don't know why, but it seems that bias ply tires have a tendency to follow the road ruts more than radials do...
I was told that, and was like "yeah right" until I changed to radials and saw that it did make a differance.

KaptnKA S

[BiggDogg]

Thanks for the tips Kaptn, appreciate it. I'll let you know how it goes when I get around to it.

[kaptnkaos]

Right on BiggDogg...

Hope it helps...

KaptnKA S