play in steering shaft

[Jimmyjames]

Alright I have a problem.

I just put own a new steering wheel and now the main shaft will move around inside the column and I am not sure how to tighten up this slack.

I have installed a 3" body lift and I think this may have something to do with the slack.

Any ideas would be welcome, thanks in advance.

JJ

 

[luvmybronco]

Alright I have a problem.

I just put own a new steering wheel and now the main shaft will move around inside the column and I am not sure how to tighten up this slack.

I have installed a 3" body lift and I think this may have something to do with the slack.

Any ideas would be welcome, thanks in advance.

JJ

Admin, Sorry I think this post should be obver in Bronco Teck

Check your bushings at the draglink to knuckle bar or whatever it's called...I had one go bad, and caused the same thing...

 

[Jimmyjames]

Check your bushings at the draglink to knuckle bar or whatever it's called...I had one go bad, and caused the same thing...

Everything below the steering box has been replaced (and is nice and tight), I am thinking it may where the shaft goes thru the firewall.

JJ

 

[SACHEM]

Everything below the steering box has been replaced (and is nice and tight), I am thinking it may where the shaft goes thru the firewall.

JJ

Look in the engine compartment near the fire wall where everything goes through. I believe there should be some sort of a clamp on the inner shaft where it goes into the larger outer shaft. I had trouble with the clamp on mine not staying put because I used to much penetrataing oil when I took the whole mess apart. It would look and feel tight but would work loose.

 

[cbearly]

There should be a bearing where the steering wheel shaft comes out of the column housing (engine compartment side). If you removed the steering shaft when you put the body lift or steering wheel on, then the bearing could have fallen off without you noticing it. Check to make sure it is still in place on the shaft where it comes out of the housing.

 

[Ed74]

There should be two snap rings that are attached to the upper portion of your steering shaft, which prevent it from sliding down. There is also a clamp, which is attached to the lower portion of your upper steering shaft, directly below your lower bearing. Make sure it is snug against the lower bearing. If not, the upper steering shaft will slide upwards when pulling on your new steering wheel. You should be able to loosen the nut on the clamp and then slide it up snug against the bearing. The clamp is located within your engine compartment at the end of your steering column. However, make sure to not apply too much pressure on the bearing, which results in stiff steering and premature wear on the bearing.

 

[ugly74]

I don't know if anybody here has one on a Bronco, but Borgeson makes very good steering shafts. I got one for my Dodge, and it's a top shelf part.

 

[NoCJ4CJ]

I have the exact same problem...have you gotten anywhere with this?

 

[Jimmyjames]

Thanks for all the replys.

I will get a chance to get down to the barn (where the bonco lives) this afternoon to see what the deal is. I do recall the bearing and I am sure this is where my problem is. I will post agian tonight with any thing I find.

Thanks again this is a great site.

JJ

 

[Jimmyjames]

Ok the bearing is shot. So I suppose I will start tearing everything down and see what all needs to be replaced. The amount of play on the wheel end seams to be excessive and I suspect that I have some issuse on that end as well. I am thinking about scraping the whole thing and getting a new column.

Again thanks for all the replys.

JJ

 

[Carl]

Can anyone post a pic of the bearing or bushing that needs to be replaced? I think I have the same problem.

 

[Jimmyjames]

Can anyone post a pic of the bearing or bushing that needs to be replaced? I think I have the same problem.

I cant post a pic. But the bearing in question on my rig (1971) is located at the bottom of the column where the shaft comes up from the steering box there is a bolt on a clamp that holds the berring up in the column. You can take a 1/2" wrench to adjust the clamp.

JJ

Also I found out why I had so much play in my wheel. I forgot to put a spring back in behind the wheel. %) that spring keeps things nice and tight.

 

[NoCJ4CJ]

So were the bearing and spring contributing to the play, or did it turn out to just be the spring?

 

[Jimmyjames]

So were the bearing and spring contributing to the play, or did it turn out to just be the spring?

I think the spring caused the majority of my problem. My bearing is shot, but after putting the spring back in the steering wheel is tight enough. That being said I dont know this for a fact but if i had to quess the spring holds a bearing or bushing in place to keep things steady. It does have a bit of play but, very little, I think this is due to my bad lower bearing.