FJ60 Loose Steering

[stoshzack]

Hi All -

Trying to diagnose the loose steering in my '87 FJ60. I did the following: rebuilt steering knuckles, changed suspension/shocks, replaced tires, replaced tie rod and drag link ends, and tightened steering box adjustment (probably too much). It is still a little loose and I'd like to allow more free play in the steering box (to reduce wear). I did not get steering box rebuilt - it only has 110K and pitman arm had little to no play when I replaced the drag links. However, I would get it rebuilt if necessary.

The slop appears to be from the steering wheel to the steering box. Previous owner (PO) off-roaded it. Just wondering if there is something loose caused from that off-roading?

Any suggestions as where to look next are greatly appreciated?


Thanks,
Stoshzack

 

[DanS HJ-45]

There are U-joints in the shaft from the wheel to the gearbox--how are those? Have you checked them for play?

Dan

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

did you adjust the TREs when swapping those out? They need to be adjusted...

 

[stoshzack]

Thanks Dan - I'll check out the u-joints. I also read some where that some one had a simple clamping bolt that came loose near the steering wheel. Not sure where that is.

Adjusting the TRE? Is this the drag link ends with the slotted side. Is that where you tighten all the way and then back off half a turn? If so, do you do it on both?

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

yes, on both ends- I still need to do my passenger side...make sure they have plenty of grease in there. I might take mine off to disassemble and make certain there is grease in the ball socket...apparently they are tricky to fill up...also, check for play in the column Ujoints- as suggested by Dan, and check for wear on the columns slip joint. If you have lift springs or shackles, your caster may be off as well....

 

[dbleon]

"Loose steering" is a vague description.

 

[stoshzack]

Cool - thanks Lambcrusher

 

[stoshzack]

Sorry - to be more descriptive: significant free play at the steering wheel; even when vehicle is parked.

 

[dbleon]

The FSM has a spec for the steering gear adjustment. The steering wheel should move the wheels within 40mm of movent IIRC. if you have adjusted the box and still have freeplay it may be the box is worn out. There was athread detailing exactly this symptom and outcome about a few weeks ago

 

[Elbert]

There are some wear items on the steering linkage....I would focus on that, to include all components that physically connect to the steering linkage...20+ year old truck...needs somethings replaced. I noticed that when we "rebuilt" my front axle the steering became quite a bit better..(new bearing all around and seals)...

ever replaced the steering dampner ?

 

[gregnash]

The FSM has a spec for the steering gear adjustment. The steering wheel should move the wheels within 40mm of movent IIRC. if you have adjusted the box and still have freeplay it may be the box is worn out. There was athread detailing exactly this symptom and outcome about a few weeks ago

Maximum is 40mm... I have a decent amount of play in mine and I am just starting to work through it.

 

[MACFJ60]

Tons of good advice here and what eventually worked for me.

Loose Steering

 

[stoshzack]

Thanks for all the responses. I checked the u-joints. They appeared okay. I took off the protective cover at the steering box input. While parked, I had someone move the steering wheel within the free-play zone and there was direct movement on the box input shaft (i.e. there was no slop in the linkage); so I assumd the box is the culprit. Sending off to West Texas to be rebuilt.

 

[Output Shaft]

When you get it back from them and hook it all back up, please post back here with the results (pretty please)

 

[stoshzack]

Will do. West Texas Off Road also said that if they find anything else wrong in the rebuild, they will let me know.

 

[stoshzack]

Hi Guys -

Just an update. West Texas Off Road had good turn around time - got it (the rebuilt steering box) back within a week or so (even around Xmas).

I put new 31" tires on and had a professional alignment done at AAA.

It seems to be driving and tracking a lot better. The new front/rear leaf springs I put on from Old Man seem to be settling in...which I think also helps.

I am going to fool around with fine tuning the adjusting nut/bolt on the top of the steering box...but overall, I am pleased with how it has turned out.

Hope this helps people in the future.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

do not over adjust the nut...

 

[augirthedude]

do not over adjust the nut...

The nut and adjustment screw should only be adjusted only while the steering gearbox is centred in the steering range. Follow the procedure in the FSM explicitly.

 

[DoubleNickels]

X2 on the u-joints between the gearbox and the steering wheel.

 

[klinetime574]

I would not tamper with that adjustment nut after the box was rebuilt.

I had my box rebuilt locally here in Houston by ADCO Power Steering and they said it was good that I never tried to adjust the nut. Said that it would cause premature wear and in the case of an old box would do more damage than good.