Question about steering looseness

[snowwolfwarrior]

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]

the FSM does give a value for acceptable play IIRC

 

[turbocruiser]

the FSM does give a value for acceptable play IIRC

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

 

[concretejungle]

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]

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]

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

 

[Buckru]

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]

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...