SLACK, SLACK, SLACK in my steering

[Aubrey]

I have had my steering box rebuilt, replaced the drag link, replaced the tie rod ends and I still have about 1/2 of a turn in my steering wheel.

When I make a sharp turn, I can hear a popping in my steering wheel.

Does anyone know what I need to do to correct this?

My truck is a 1969 F100 with manual steering.

Thank you for your help.

Aubrey

[Yota]

if you're sure it's slack in the steering box and not somewhere else in the linkage (have someone turn the wheel back and forth while you watch all the steering stuff and see what's not moving), then there should be a set screw on top of the box with a nut on it. loosen the nut and you can adjust the screw to take out the slop. but don't go too far, or the wheel won't return to center after a turn.
i guess i should throw this out there too... i've never personally dealt with manual steering setups, so if you can't find the screw on top (it should be fairly obvious) then there might not be one, i don't know how much different the manual boxes are compared to the power ones...

[dotcentral]

Have you checked the flex joint coupling? Some people call it a rag joint. The round disc that goes from your steering wheel to steering gear box. A wornout one of those can give you a lot of slack.

[cdeal28078]

Make sure the steering box is tight to the frame plus check the frame around the steering box for cracks. As above check the rag joint
clint

[fordman]

with that pop sound it sounds like the steering box is out of adjustment. either that or one of the tie rod ends is going bad

[Aubrey]

with that pop sound it sounds like the steering box is out of adjustment. either that or one of the tie rod ends is going bad

I had the steering box rebuilt. I have replaced all of the drag links and tie rod ends about 1 year ago. They also replaced the rag joint when they rebuilt the steering box. When I turn sharply, it pops and feels like the steering is trying to bind. Is this consistent with the box being out of adjustment?

How do you adjust it?

Thanks for your reply and assistance.

[390Nut]

There is a nut with what looks like a screw in the center of it, on the end of the steering box right below the end of the steering column connection. You loosen the nut, then use a screwdriver to turn the bolt inside, and then tighten the nut down to hold it in place. Only go 1/8 to 1/4 turns at a time, until it feels like it is correct. It sounds like it's loosened up too much to begin with. Turning the bolt/screw counter-clockwise would loosen it up more, and counter-clockwise will tighten the mesh of the internals.

In this pic: http://www.fordification.com/images/Bendix-vs-Ford.jpg you can see the adjusting screw assembly facing you on both gears. A manual gearbox will have the same setup.

[spartman]

Might want to check your king pins and wheel bearings also.

[rjewkes]

al;so how are your cab mounts? If they rust out the cab will sit right on top of the steering column. Also have you been greasing your kingpins and tie rod ends?

They suggest once a month. But atleas once every three will get you by.

[Leadfoot]

popping is normally the rag joint and bottom bearing play.

[Aubrey]

popping is normally the rag joint and bottom bearing play.

Well, I will find out now what was not rebuilt correctly. I found myself entering the highway to go home this morning without any steering. Talk about FUN!!!!

I did manage to stop without destroying half of downtown Dallas!!

Thanks for the help.

[Aubrey]

Well, I got it fixed. The bottom bushing was bad.

I still have about 1/4 turn of slack. I am going to try to adjust it out.

I will keep everyone informed.

[390Nut]

That sounds MUCH better, and easier to deal with. A LITTLE slack is a ok, just make sure you don't get it to tight. You'll wear out that freshly rebuilt gearbox.

[Aubrey]

Yeah, being able to steer definately makes for a better , but it kinda takes the adventure out of it :twisted: