The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline STEERING HELP PLEASE ! ! !

New finding: I did some reading about steering sectors and how to adjust them so I tried what they said on how to set the tension or backlash on the adjusting allen head that sets dead center and it was quite loose so I ended up adding about 1 turn CW to increase the friction at dead center to match what they recommend and now it holds straight at steer ahead center and doesn't want to drift to the right, Do you think this could be it as the alignment is right on according to the front end shop.

Year, Make, Model truck?

You should have it rechecked, as the steering box being loos like that could have effected the final steer ahead adjustment. The shop really should have checked for that prior to aligning it, plus a before and after test drive should have been done to make sure of no other problems. Sounds like they didn't do either.

I agree with Bill. I think I'd take it back to the second place and tell them what has happened. I'll bet they'd be glad to re-check it for you. Not knowing what box you have, we can't say, but normally there are 2 adjustments...worm gear bearing and sector gear. Good luck!

if you still need ideas:
did you have all 4 wheels checked? i'm thinking that perhaps the rear axle is in a perpetual right turn.
2nd idea
setting more caster on the right or less on the left could help
of course you would have to find the right shop to bend the I beam.
one last thought if for some reason all the work has resulted in a negative caster, like if the front is a lot lower than the rear, you could tilt the whole axle back at the top (more positive caster on both sides) this would give a bit more directional stability.

After adjusting the steering gear lash or tension adjustment I thought all was well but the steering was considerably harder than power steering should be so I gave up and ordered a rebuilt PS box as there is nothing else to adjust, align or replace. So if this doesn't do it I'm out of ideas ! ! ! I will let you guys know how this turns out in a couple of days, wish me LUCK...

That is a very valid thought. Depending on what equipment they used, it could be very possible that the rear was not checked, particularly if they were using older equipment that can be setup for a front axle only alignment (faster to setup). Most newer equipment will check both axles, though, and do not have the option to do only the front.

The rear end wasn't checked or aligned but after you guys brought it up I measured it for square from several points and it appears to be sitting straight in the frame but if this sector doesn't help I will find a shop that can check the alignment more accurately. I did do the test that someone suggested: jack the front end up and start the engine and see if the steering wheel drifts to the right and it did, this was supposed to indicate a BO PS sector so this is part of my logic for replacing the box so at this point I'm not guaranteeing anything, just hoping.

The shop should be able to do a 4 wheel check, even with older equipment. They just have to set it up for a 4 wheel alignment and do the calibration on all4 wheels instead of just the front. As mentioned, most newer equipment does not give the choice, it measures all 4 regardless, though they may have to put in the tolerances for any specs for the rear.

The saga is finally over, I replaced the power steering box today with a factory rebuilt and the pulling problem is GONE it doesn't pull or drift to either side, no tight spots just works like it should. THANKS guys for all of your input and ideas, I really appreciate all of the help maybe we all learned something from this process. THANKS AGAIN ! ! ! BILL