Steering Box (when is it going bad?)

[Darwood]

Hi alls,

I've got a question or two about my steering box. One thing I've noticed about my box is that it seems to have a bit of internal slack/or knock to it. It really isn't bad or doesn't affect driving but it's a bit concerning. What I mean by knock is that when I drive off road I can feel the knocking of the wheels back and forth by rocks in the box. What it reminds me of is the rack and pinion steering of my Tacoma. When I was off road in that truck I steering would knock back and forth due to the bushings holding the rack on. The rack itself would deflect a little before the wheel itself would turn an a rattling in the steering would occur.

Now I know this isn't due to wheel bearings, hub bearings, or tie rod ends since everything there is new and or adjusted and checked by me. This is definitely in the steering box. Also the steering wheel slack is within spec or better since I did adjust the top nut to get rid of some slack.

Now the only reason I am concerned here is after driving a Jeep TJ I noticed that the steering didn't have this knock to it. It felt nice and solid throughout the whole steering linkages. So is this normal in a cruiser steering box, or is there some internal damage in the box?

One other thing to note, is I have a new drag link from the previous owner. Could what ever have cause the drag link to need replacing damaged the steering box as well?

Thanks,

 

[RavenTai]

Have you checked the pitman arm splines for play (just shake it back and forth with your hand) how about the steering shaft? Same method.

Both of those are easier to fix than rebuilding the box (if you can get parts?)so I would eliminate them first


BTW is that "Spike" in your avatar? I D/L'd the CBB series w/ subtitles, was a good watch.

 

[Darwood]

The pitman arm feels tight last time I checked, but I need to check the steering shaft. So I just try to wiggle it near the input to the steering box?

Yep that is Spike as my avatar. C(owboy) B(ee) B(op) is a fun series.