Question about steering looseness

snowwolfwarrior · 03-16-05, 04:14 PM

Just a quick question about the steering on my 1996 4.5 petrol, if the engine is stopped and you turn the steering wheel back and forth, there seems to be a one hour on a 12 hour clocks movement that seems to be doing nothing.
If I start the engine, this looseness seems to dissapear, can you guys try this on your L/C's just to eliminate a problem I might have, kind reagrds Mick.

e9999 · 03-16-05, 04:45 PM

the FSM does give a value for acceptable play IIRC

turbocruiser · 03-16-05, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e9999

the FSM does give a value for acceptable play IIRC

And that would be ... 40mm or approx 1.57 inches. HTH

concretejungle · 03-16-05, 09:29 PM

be careful if you do make an adjustment on the box. A little goes a long way. If you adjust it too tight you will develop leaks.

RavenTai · 03-16-05, 11:33 PM

Some dead band in a power steering box with no pump pressure is normal. There is a valve in the steering box that normally just ports fluid and no physical contact is made between the steering wheel and gear, without pressure a stop in the valve is contacted and turning force is transmitted.

Just by feel I get less than an hour, I’ll have to check again when it is light and I can see the wheel start to move.

Yours is RHD correct? Different parts but I would assume same things just mirrored?

I have been wanting to adjust my box, never have got to it, I was planning on removing the draglink from the pitman so I could feel the play, the adjustment is only for play between the pitman and piston, there is no adjustment for wear in the recirculating balls nor the dead band in the valve so you really want to feel the pitman arm, also gives me a chance to flush the power steering again without jacking the truck.

You could also have play in the steering column or tie rod ends besides play in the box.

Does the 80 have a rag joint? Or is that just a POS American car thing? Can’t see what is under that shield.

snowwolfwarrior · 03-17-05, 01:02 PM

Yes it is about 40mm when engine is stopped, What is a rag joint?

Buckru · 03-17-05, 01:53 PM

I too have developed alittle more "looseness" in the play of my steering and was wondering how to snug it up a bit. Also, when the truck is cold, it will sometimes make a "dry sounding noise" when turning the steering wheel. Power steering fluid is fine and no sign of the pump going out. A better description might be "there is a zirk fitting that needs to be greased". I would sure appreciate a little help on this one.

Buck

CruisinGA · 03-17-05, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowwolfwarrior

Yes it is about 40mm when engine is stopped, What is a rag joint?

Rubber flex joint in steering column that allows for movement between body and frame. I believe the 80 series one is under the dash...

03-16-05, 04:14 PM	#1
snowwolfwarrior IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Rochester kent UK Posts: 226	Question about steering looseness Just a quick question about the steering on my 1996 4.5 petrol, if the engine is stopped and you turn the steering wheel back and forth, there seems to be a one hour on a 12 hour clocks movement that seems to be doing nothing. If I start the engine, this looseness seems to dissapear, can you guys try this on your L/C's just to eliminate a problem I might have, kind reagrds Mick.

03-16-05, 04:45 PM	#2
e9999 You want to do what...? Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: PRK Posts: 10,340	the FSM does give a value for acceptable play IIRC __________________ '97: 88K, 3xlock, Custom HD roo bar for sale, 285 MT/Rs on steelies, Hanna sliders, 851+1.5"/863/N73/N74E/SD24, ARB bull with M12, Kaymar with duals, Kaymar rack, Slee TC skid, 2m/440, more stuff, loose nut behind the wheel!) '03: 99K, the better half's... DD Accord souped up DR650

03-16-05, 09:29 PM	#4
concretejungle IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: North Cadillac TLCA# 14646 Posts: 6,174	be careful if you do make an adjustment on the box. A little goes a long way. If you adjust it too tight you will develop leaks. __________________ 95' FZJ80 OME med./J lift, ARB rack, ARB Bull Bar w/tmax 12,500, 315 Nitto, stainless brake lines, Center Diff Lock, Sliders, IPOR Skid, IPOR rear bumper, upgraded slee sticker, custom dents, more to come. . . Remember it's a gateway drug, so it will actually lead to "crystal meh".

03-16-05, 11:33 PM	#5
RavenTai IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Various TLCA# 14809 Posts: 5,383	Some dead band in a power steering box with no pump pressure is normal. There is a valve in the steering box that normally just ports fluid and no physical contact is made between the steering wheel and gear, without pressure a stop in the valve is contacted and turning force is transmitted. Just by feel I get less than an hour, I’ll have to check again when it is light and I can see the wheel start to move. Yours is RHD correct? Different parts but I would assume same things just mirrored? I have been wanting to adjust my box, never have got to it, I was planning on removing the draglink from the pitman so I could feel the play, the adjustment is only for play between the pitman and piston, there is no adjustment for wear in the recirculating balls nor the dead band in the valve so you really want to feel the pitman arm, also gives me a chance to flush the power steering again without jacking the truck. You could also have play in the steering column or tie rod ends besides play in the box. Does the 80 have a rag joint? Or is that just a POS American car thing? Can’t see what is under that shield. __________________ 1988 FJ62 on 33s 1996 LX450 on 33s Last edited by RavenTai; 03-16-05 at 11:53 PM.

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03-17-05, 01:02 PM	#6
snowwolfwarrior IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Rochester kent UK Posts: 226	Yes it is about 40mm when engine is stopped, What is a rag joint?

03-17-05, 01:53 PM	#7
Buckru IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston, Texas TLCA# 13863 Posts: 589	I too have developed alittle more "looseness" in the play of my steering and was wondering how to snug it up a bit. Also, when the truck is cold, it will sometimes make a "dry sounding noise" when turning the steering wheel. Power steering fluid is fine and no sign of the pump going out. A better description might be "there is a zirk fitting that needs to be greased". I would sure appreciate a little help on this one. Buck