Video - steering getting a bit loose / free

[pipeline010]

I've read the posts regarding the issue, wanted to see if anyone can spot the fix from my video.

Saginaw PS box (I think) has a fair amount of play I'd like to tighten up. Looks like it's within the box. Thoughts?

Thanks.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1csKp1SOSc4sHtEVaI1xex0_Ej_O1YFd7/view?usp=drivesdk

 

[DirtDonk]

Well, from the video I'd say you're right. Looks like all that movement did not equate to any movement at all within the box, out to the pitman arm.
I don't think I could tell from this angle, but are you sure that none of it is at the u-joint itself? Looked tight, but you were right there.

You will likely need a rebuild for having that much movement, but it's also worth a try to re-adjust the preload to see if that at least helps.
That's the screw and locking nut on top. The deal is you have to be careful though. Too much (too tight) and you can at the very least increase the speed at which it wears out, and perhaps even break something while steering.
You won't break anything by turning the screw, but the gears may mesh wrong and bind up especially on-center.

Steve83 here has some instructions from Ford on how to set the preload initially (assuming all the parts are good and the wear is minimal) so you might search that out.
It's easy to find his SuperMotors pages (just look for Steve83 there) but with so many it might be hard to find that specific page.
But well worth it!

Of course, the info is available elsewhere too I'm sure, but I don't have any links for you.

Good luck.

Paul

 

[pipeline010]

Thanks Paul.

Prior to your response I came to the same conclusion. Went out and adjusted that screw; online guides said to keep it at 1/8th of a turn, others 1/4th of a turn.

After tightening just a hair over 1/8th about 80% of my free play went away. Truck steering was very tight to work today. The wander was more obvious, but I think that's just from big tires, suspension lift, nature of the B.A.T. When I turned, it turned.

When the gears settle in a week or two I may go again with another 1/16th turn max....but ya, one simple adjustment seems to have done the job very well for now.

 

[75MIKE]

Just a heads up. Depending on the age of your box and how much wear.When you tighten your preload, it's on the center part of your gears,since we mainly drive in a straight line, that's where the majority of your wear is. So the preload is going to get real tight when you are turning since you will start getting into the part of the shaft that has no wear on it.

I tried it for a while until I "caved" and got the box rebuilt. I'm afraid messing with the preload is just a band aid.

 

[DirtDonk]

Making sure you adjust it with the box centered can at least help you to not go too far initially.
But that was a heck of a lot of play. Amazing that so much went away with so little adjustment.

I wonder if it has always been that way from a poor initial adjustment?
Boy, wouldn't that be nice! No wear, just a bad adjustment is what we'll hope for.

Lots of things will cause a Bronco to wander. I know you've been working on the truck quite a bit lately, but it may take a lot of little tweaking to get it down to where it's almost not noticeable.

Paul

 

[pipeline010]

ya, I was really surprised myself at such a response from so small an adjustment. I was concerned about damaging the gears but most of what I read said to make small adjustments then allow a couple weeks for the gears to settle properly before going further.

I can honestly say that right now the truck is driving, front to back, better than it ever has in my time of owning it. Engine purring, drivetrain seems clean, brakes following rebuild are stopping on a dime drums all around with new booster/drum parts.

And now steering play is practically zero with only corrective wander from the body moving over the frame on turns. I think sway bar is a no brainer for me, as offroad = beach pretty exclusively.

Of course, tomorrow could be another story.... but for now the sucker is cherry.