steering box play?

[sodafeld1]

Hi, been doing some heavy towing on very bad dirtroads, troopy hj75. Recently changed springs to heavy duty, raised 45mm in front and 65 in back. Left shock popped off during a heavy session, left trailer in bush and slowly went home. Put shock back on. Seemed ok for a bit but noticed slight hum at over 80kmh so Rebuilt front knuckles, changed wheel bearings. Birfields looked ok , one of the studs was loose on the passenger side so replaced studs with the good ones.

But now I have a little play in the steering wheel, seems over responsive, the wheels steer very quick. I can move the steer box by hand which I don't believe I could do before.

Just seems looser. Just re-adjusted toe in again to see if that helps. but the looseness in the box concerns a little. No leaks but could be worn.

Can other folks move the box by hand like in this video?

 

[sodafeld1]

hmm vid doesn't work. anyway I can wiggle it by hand. Should I adjust steer box?

 

[sodafeld1]

hmm vid doesn't work. anyway I can wiggle it by hand. Should I adjust steer box?

wheels follow the wiggle from the steering wheel, like super responsive without much resistance.

 

[ceylonfj40nut]

Is the ujoint bearings good in the steering coupler under cover?

 

[sodafeld1]

ok, another test drive after adjusted steer box half turn and deflated front tyres 5psi from 60 to 55, these coopers go up to 80psi. bit better, feels tighter. but steering wheel turns a whole lot more, which I am not use to. Probably shall turn it back 1/4. Looks like the steer box adjuster was never touched in 280000kms. Slot screw sticks out much more than pics of the adjusting nut on the web.

More I think about it, it has to be knuckle bearing preload. New bearings. My scale puller is not all that accurate. I am waiting on the sst for the knuckle to be delivered. Followed the advice from here upon only removing some top shims in increments to increase preload.

Few factors with new springs, bearings and knuckle service comes into play..
me thinks fresh knuckle bearings, just feels loose.

Has anyone experienced a loose feeling after a knuckle repack with new bearings?

 

[sodafeld1]

thanks ceylon, another place to check..