Best place for a steering box???

[stephen steward]

I have purchased a new rebuilt steering box from Oreily's and I have returned it three times now for the same problem. The steering box is very sloppy at the input shaft. You can move the steering column back and fourth and and watch the input move but the wheels do not. I just need to find a better gear box. Any ideas would be great. Thanks,

 

[Justshootme84]

I've had good luck with new and reman parts from RockAuto, might check them out. JSM84

 

[bigtrux]

I bought mine at autozone for like 150 and it's been good so far.... also are you sure your rag joint is not worn that will cause sloppy steering as well.

 

[Armed Bronco]

I got a rebuilt at a NAPA outlet. It works fine and priced very reasonable. Put on a new pump and lines when you do this.

 

[stephen steward]

What's the cost of a new pump. This is the first time i've been told to replace it.

The movement happens right at the gear box. You can see the input shaft moving while the wheels or the pitman arm do nothing.

 

[Elmo]

The movement happens right at the gear box. You can see the input shaft moving while the wheels or the pitman arm do nothing.

have you tried adjusting the backlash on the gear box to take up the slack?

 

[92bronco_in_progress]

advance is pretty good, that and napa

 

[stephen steward]

That backlash bolt is for the birds. All it does is make the output end very twitchy. I tryed it on the first two I put on and it totally messed them up and never tightened up the steering wheel. I wonder if it might have something to do with the pump???

 

[miesk5]

yo; here is a gear box troubleshooting list:

Front End Wander - Front end wander is a condition that is noticed when the vehicle is driven in a straight ahead position with the wheel held in a firm position, but the vehicle wanders to either the right or left side. Front end alignment should be checked before any gear service is made.

NOTE: Front end alignment and tire pressures should be checked before any gear service is performed.

Possible Source(s):

* Gear box loose on frame.

Action(s) to Take:

* Check mounting bolts for damage and replace if required. If no damage is found, tighten bolts to 73-90 N-m (54-66 ft-lb).

Possible Source(s):

* Incorrect meshload.

Action(s) to Take:

Set meshload to specification.

Possible Source(s):

* Loose race locknut.

Action(s) to Take:

* Check race locknut for damage and replace as required. If no damage is found, tighten nut to 75-122 N-m (55-90 ft-lb).

Possible Source(s):

* Insufficient worm ****** bearing preload.

Action(s) to Take:

* Replace valve assembly.

Possible Source(s):

* Damaged sector shaft bearing (gear might also exhibit external leakage from sector seals).

Action(s) to Take:

* Replace gear housing assembly.

Possible Source(s):

* Center lash.

Action(s) to Take:

* Improper fit of worm to piston. Replace valve assembly (be certain to check meshload prior to replacing valve for center lash).

Other Conditions:

- Heavy Steering Efforts, Poor assist (both directions)

Possible Source(s):

* Low steering system fluid fill.

Action(s) to Take:

* Add steering fluid to proper level.

Possible Source(s):

* Engine idle too low.

Action(s) to Take:

* Set engine idle to specification.

Possible Source(s):

* Low power steering pump belt tension.

Action(s) to Take:

* Check belt tension and set to specification.

Possible Source(s):

* Pump flow/relief pressure not to specification.

Action(s) to Take:

* Test pump and service as necessary.

Possible Source(s):

* External leakage resulting in low fluid level.

Action(s) to Take:

* Refer to Ford Power Steering Gear Leak Inspection for external leak diagnosis.

Possible Source(s):

* Piston Teflon