Loose power steering fixed!
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Member
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Reseda, CA, USA
Loose power steering fixed!
Hi, folks!
My power steering gear box has been leaking occasionally, not much but more than I'd like. Well, recently the steering has been really sloppy. Driving on the freeway was scary!
I decided that I'd try to replace the gear box on my own, as the job would cost $400+ US if I went to a shop. I read my Haynes manual, and it covered the R'n'R as well as 'Check and Adjustment' of the sector (output) shaft lash. Well, since I figured the thing is toast anyway, why not experiment...
I carefully followed the directions for check and adjustment, and managed to do the procedure in relatively short time (2+ hours). The biggest problem was fitting a torque wrench into the cavity between the engine and the wheel well, especially when there's a bunch of other crap cluttering up this space! I managed to adjust the sector shaft to where it still turned smoothly, but there was no more play. Steering is much better today - I'm not floating all over the dad-burned freeway! I just hope I did everything right. I'll probably swap out the whole gear box soon, but this adjustment bought me a few more days (maybe weeks).
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Tom Kenney
tomk@bearcomp.com
tom@fluxtech.com
My truck, Sparky, is a 1992 F-150 XLT, 4x4 SC ShortBed, 302 EFI, E4OD, 3.55 LS, silver-on-black two-tone
MODS: K&N filter, Rancho steering damper
WISH LIST: 4.10 gears, shell, GT40P engine
My power steering gear box has been leaking occasionally, not much but more than I'd like. Well, recently the steering has been really sloppy. Driving on the freeway was scary!
I decided that I'd try to replace the gear box on my own, as the job would cost $400+ US if I went to a shop. I read my Haynes manual, and it covered the R'n'R as well as 'Check and Adjustment' of the sector (output) shaft lash. Well, since I figured the thing is toast anyway, why not experiment...
I carefully followed the directions for check and adjustment, and managed to do the procedure in relatively short time (2+ hours). The biggest problem was fitting a torque wrench into the cavity between the engine and the wheel well, especially when there's a bunch of other crap cluttering up this space! I managed to adjust the sector shaft to where it still turned smoothly, but there was no more play. Steering is much better today - I'm not floating all over the dad-burned freeway! I just hope I did everything right. I'll probably swap out the whole gear box soon, but this adjustment bought me a few more days (maybe weeks).
------------------
Tom Kenney
tomk@bearcomp.com
tom@fluxtech.com
My truck, Sparky, is a 1992 F-150 XLT, 4x4 SC ShortBed, 302 EFI, E4OD, 3.55 LS, silver-on-black two-tone
MODS: K&N filter, Rancho steering damper
WISH LIST: 4.10 gears, shell, GT40P engine
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 1,827
Likes: 0
From: FL
good job! i had mine replaced not long ago by a friend of mine who's a mechanic since he doesnt charge me for labor. nowadays you gotta be your own mechanic because everything is getting too expensive!
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1989 F-150 XLT Lariat: 2WD 302 5spd[*]Performance Accessories 3" Body Lift[*]33x12.50.15 BFG A/T's on 15x10 AR Rims[*]Rancho Steering Stabilizer[*]Rancho RS 5000 Shocks[*]K&N Air Filter[*]Straight Pipes For Now...
Muffler? I don't need no stinkin' muffler!
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1989 F-150 XLT Lariat: 2WD 302 5spd[*]Performance Accessories 3" Body Lift[*]33x12.50.15 BFG A/T's on 15x10 AR Rims[*]Rancho Steering Stabilizer[*]Rancho RS 5000 Shocks[*]K&N Air Filter[*]Straight Pipes For Now...
Muffler? I don't need no stinkin' muffler!
