Steering box

[cav]

My 89XLT is starting to have a little bit of play in the steering. I know this has been addressed before but am unable to find the posts. Is there an adjustment on/in the steering box. I've heard both ways and am just not sure. Some advise would be really helpful. The steering is stock. Trying to keep her fit and healthy--she turns 21 in a few weeks.

Thanks Cav

 

[miesk5]

yo,

Besides the usual checks for bushings, etc.. this is what you asked for;

Pre-load Adjustment, All Bronco & Ford, mid-70s to 00; "...1. Disconnect the pitman arm from the sector shaft using a Pitman Arm Puller (Tool T64P-3590-F). 2. Disconnect the fluid return line at the reservoir and cap the reservoir return line ****** to retain the fluid in the reservoir. 3. Place the end of the return line in a suitable container and turn the steering wheel from stop-to-stop several times to discharge the fluid from the gear. Discard the fluid. 4. Turn the steering wheel to the right stop, then back left 45 degrees. 5. Attach an inch-pound torque wrench to the steering wheel nut and determine the torque required to rotate the shaft slowly approximately one-eighth turn (45�) toward center from the initial 45 degree position. Note this first value. 6. Turn the steering gear back to center and determine the torque required to rotate the shaft back and forth across the center position (� 90�). Compare the center value to the first value, using the following criteria: * Vehicles with less than 5,000 miles (8046 Km): If total meshload over mechanical center is less than 15 in-lb (1.7 Nm) or greater than 24 in-lb (2.7 Nm), RESET to first value PLUS 11-15 in-lb (1.2-1.7 Nm). * Vehicles with more than 5,000 miles (8046 Km), or with new sector shaft: If meshload over mechanical center is NOT 7 in-lb (0.8 Nm) GREATER than the first value, RESET to 10-14 in-lb (1.13-1.6 Nm) GREATER than first value. . If reset is required, loosen the adjuster locknut and turn the sector shaft adjuster ***** until the reading is the specified value greater than the torque at 45 degrees from the stop. Hold the sector shaft ***** in place, and tighten the locknut. 8. Re-check torque readings and replace the pitman arm and steering wheel hub cover. 9. Connect the fluid return line to the reservoir and fill the reservoir to specification with the specified fluid. Check belt tension & adjust if necessary. Do not pry against the reservoir to obtain proper belt load. Pressure will deform the reservoir and cause it to leak...." See Diagram included

Source: by Ford via Steve83 (Steve, That dirty old truck) at SuperMotors.net

 

[miesk5]

For other steering issues, see my site @ http://www.broncolinks.com/index.php?index=339

http://www.broncolinks.com/index.php?index=338

including; Troubleshooting, All Bronco & Ford, mid-70s to 00 Source: by Ford via Steve83 (Steve, That dirty old truck) at SuperMotors.net

http://www.broncolinks.com/index.php?index=45

this section consiste of:

Select A Category:

Alignment

Axle Pivot

Camber & Caster

Drag Link

General Information

High Steer Arms

Hydraulically Assisted Steering (ram)

King Pin

Knuckle

Pitman Arm

Power Steering; Saginaw Pump, TSB, Gear Box, Column, Cooler, Hose...

Radius Arm

Stabilizer

Steering Parts Break Out Diagrams, Bronco & F Series

Steering, Suspension & Driveline Systems Components Parts Catalog w/Ford Part Numbers & Illustrations, Ford

Superrunner

Tie Rod & Ends (TRE)

Track Bar

Wristed Arm

--

Auto Repair Reference Center Repair Manual, Mostly Chilton; many local library's offer free online access for their members; just log-in w/your library Card # and password; incl. all Broncos, & many MAKES! 1951 to 2009; some years (85-96, I believe) include: FULL Technical Service Bulletins and Recalls, Labor Hours per repair (plug in appl info); Wiring Diagrams, Vacuum Diagrams (in DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS CONTROLS Section), Specifications (torques, etc.) & Maintenance Intervals

Source: by arrc.epnet.com

Chilton Manual for 66 - 81 Bronco, Scanned Copy

Source: by Chilton via broncocity.com

Noise, Vibration, & Harshness Diagnostic Location Diagram & Worksheet

Source: by Steve83 (Steve, That dirty old truck) at SuperMotors.net

Repair Locations Grid & Coding, Bronco; used to pin-point location of a repair or component in a vehicle

Source: by Ford via Steve83 (Steve, That dirty old truck) at SuperMotors.net

Steering Linkage Parts Diagram for Bronco & F150 , 92-96

Source: by Steve83 (Steve, That dirty old truck) at SuperMotors.

 

[cav]

Hey Miesk5, thanks for the reply(s). After I adjusted her she seems to run straighter and is not as loose. Guess time will tell if I was smart enough to follow your info.............Thanks again Cav

 

[Ricky B]

Hey Miesk5, thanks for the reply(s). After I adjusted her she seems to run straighter and is not as loose. Guess time will tell if I was smart enough to follow your info.............Thanks again Cav

Please, PLEASE be careful adjusting this thing without doing it exactly like Miesk mentioned and by following his tech info----because there are many horror stories out there of people you have merely snugged up the one bolt a bit---only to find their steering suddenly locked up on a curve. Or worse.......

 

[50joe]

I'll SECOND THAT.

 

[Ricky B]

I'll SECOND THAT.

Yup, and I'll go first---my '65 Ford Econoline pick-up back in the 70's. Cost me a front end alignment---and almost my neighbor's front porch........ :-"