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Steering slop

DirtDonk

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 3, 2003
Messages
51,613
Yes. Those might just do the trick, but before you start replacing any parts (those things are actually pretty reliable) you should find out for sure with 100% accuracy just what parts are loose.
I say "parts" plural because most EB's suffer from more than one thing contributing.

I'm sure you've heard it many times, but still the easiest test is to, with the full weight of the vehicle on the ground, have a helper turn the steering wheel back and forth enough to make the tires turn slightly. They don't have to go lock-to-lock, just enough to highlight any loose parts. Maybe a half-turn in each direction for most.

While they're doing this continuously you're poking your head under the hood and laying under the front inspecting each and every component that is attached to some other component.
From that shaft, to the frame behind the steering box, to the draglink and tie-rod, to the trackbar and it's mounts, to ball-joints, the wheel bearings and even the wheels themselves.
Anything that has play is bad and needs replacing.

That sounds kind of dire, but literally every steering component is not allowed any side to side motion without moving the next component in line, or it's worn beyond it's service life.

Do this test and you'll see everything and anything that moves.
Including anything in the rear end that might be contributing to the less-than-tight steering feel.

Paul
 
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MartyG

MartyG

Bronco Guru
Joined
Jun 2, 2010
Messages
1,124
Hey, Paul thank you so much. You're always so awesome with informed and concise information. It's really appreciated and I will give it a go
 

DirtDonk

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Nov 3, 2003
Messages
51,613
Let us know what you find. Look very closely at everything. Even a tiny movement in the trackbar will make the vehicle wander around a bit. Won't really feel like loose linkage all by itself, but add it to a couple other things and you could have lots of interesting things going on.

Of course, it would sure be nice if it's just one of the joints!

Paul
 

B RON CO

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Jun 29, 2016
Messages
2,484
Loc.
Statesville, NC
Hi, another way to check the front end is to jack it up and support the Bronco on jack stands. Now grab a tire and push it in and out. Pushing side to side will work the tie rod ends, center link and pitman arm. Pushing top and bottom may show worn ball joints. Also check the trac bar bushings.
Good luck
 

hyghlndr

Contributor
Bronco Guru
Joined
Jan 19, 2009
Messages
5,263
Loc.
Hockessin, Delaware
I just disassembled one and replace that U joint with a new one. There was an incredible amount of play in that joint. I was surprised how much difference it made.
 
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