loose steering

[lakeozark84bronco]

I have a 84 bronco that seams to have a mind of it's own going down the road. Steering is real loose. Any one have any proven fixes?

 

[Seabronc]

It could be any number of front end problems and/or a combination of front end problems. Bad ball joints, tie rod ends, steering box, alignment, tires, etc. When I first bought my 83 Bronco it had what my mechanic referred to as slot car steering, (you know the sudden shifts in direction)and when steering, it would turn when it felt like it not when I wanted it to. It would follow any crack or ridge in the road. In my case it turned out to be bad ball joints combined with the 33 x 12.5 tires. We replaced the ball joints and put 31 x 10.5s on it and ever since have been able to travel down the road hands off for quite a ways. Prior to that you had better be paying attention and have hands on the wheel at all times.

I'd have someone who understands what he/she is looking at check it out.

You can do a few basic checks yourself, like 1. Raising each front tire off the surface and checking it for play by grabbing the tire and feeling for looseness side t side horizontal and vertically. 2. Check for pay up and down (you may have to use something as a lever under the tire due to it's weight). 3. If both tires check out OK the see how much play you have in the steering box before the tire starts to move in either direction. 4. Your tie rod ends should have no play in them either.

The only reason for such sloppy steering is a problem and definitely needs attention before you or someone else gets seriously hurt.

Good luck,

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[lakeozark84bronco]

Thanks for the info. I will check into trouble shooting the problem.