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| | | | Joined: May 2008 Posts: 66 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2008 Posts: 66 | Ok here is the problem. As with most old trucks the original bushings in the steering components are all but gone. When I get up to cruising speed the steering gets loose and when its at a crawl it is right. I have checked all the components and even though the bushings are gone there is no play in the steering direction (side to side and front to back). I have tightened the worn gear on the steering box correctly with the wheels off the ground and also checked the hub bearings. I am leaning torwards worn-out king pins-am I looking in the right direction? Also if they are bad what am I looking for? | | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | I would jack up the wheels and while up in the air catch the tire on the TOP and BOTTOM and try to pull/push on it to see if it wiggles in/out. Get fairly aggressive with it to see if it moves.
While you have it "off the ground" you can also double check other things by catching the wheel on the Front and Back and see if you can move it back and forth. If so double check all the connections on the tie rod and drag link.
If you have a sway bar attached to the front axle then you may want to also check the bushings in it even though I don't think it would cause what you are describing.
Try the test above and let us know what you find. Anyone else have any idea?? | | | | | Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2004 Posts: 5,708 | bolted54,
I'm not 100% sure I know what you are trying to describe, but I think checking and setting your toe-in might give you a little relief.
This will tend to stabilize any wander plus can help 'load' worn steering components so they appear to have less free play.
There is no substitute for nice new steering components and fits, but 3/16" or so of toe-in could help your current condition.
Stuart | | | | | Joined: May 2008 Posts: 66 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2008 Posts: 66 | I have done that and it does have a little play when I "shake the tire" | | | | | Joined: May 2008 Posts: 66 Wrench Fetcher | | Wrench Fetcher Joined: May 2008 Posts: 66 | How would I go about adjusting the toe-in? I understand what toe& camber is but not sure How to adjust what you are talking about | | | | | Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 565 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jun 2003 Posts: 565 | Why not start by replacing the bushings that you already know are worn out?
"Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just leave me alone, you're starting to freak me out."
1957 GMC 150
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,703 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2006 Posts: 1,703 | I agree with jmoore, if ya have worn componets they need addresed before ya proceede, get all the the linkage tight an then a fresh alighnment will be in order, that should fix this problem.
Tim | | |
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