steering column movement

[Mxndrnks]

I need some help. When I grab my steering wheel, I can move the entire steering wheel and column down and to the left (7-8 o'clock position) almost 1". It only moves in this direction. Everything else is tight. No wobbles when driving, no other issues. This doesnt seem normal and I would like to fix it if possible. Any suggestions? My search came up weak.....

Thanks!

 

[lexi4darin]

Got me stumped Jon. I know there's a steering column bushing somehwere near the firewall.

I don't have the same problem as you but I do get a steering column rattle when I hit bumps at a certain angle or something. Still haven't tracked it down yet but interested in hearing more about your situation in case it helps me track mine down.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Is the downward movement associated with the tilt function or is the whole column?

 

[LCHardriver_02]

Got me stumped Jon. I know there's a steering column bushing somehwere near the firewall.

I don't have the same problem as you but I do get a steering column rattle when I hit bumps at a certain angle or something. Still haven't tracked it down yet but interested in hearing more about your situation in case it helps me track mine down.

Lexi - I have the same symptoms as you. If you find something, please post up, as I will be watching.

 

[Mxndrnks]

Is the downward movement associated with the tilt function or is the whole column?

You can grab the steering wheel and shift the whole thing down and to the left. Pivot point is the column. you do not need to touch the tilt lever to do it.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Maybe the bracket on the firewall?

 

[lexi4darin]

Trunk Monkey - is this bracket in the firewall where "the" bushing is located that goes out from time to time on the column? I have an issue where the column "chatters" over certain types of bumps. It's a reproducable problem but not on "any" bump.

Not to hijack the thread but in the interest of learning more about this bracket or possible steering column hot spots. My FSM (vol 1 and 2 ) is in the mail.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

No, the bushing you generally hear about is on the steering rack.

 

[bamachem]

There's a bracket where the steering column bolts to the firewall, plus some additional points that could be your issue. Sounds like you have a loose bolt/nut.

I'd check these, if you can get access to them...

 

[Mxndrnks]

Thanks Bama.. Will look into it. Where on the coast are you?

I am originally from Mobile (live in San Francisco now). Will be back in Mobile on 2/5 for Mardi Gras. My Aunt is queen of the Poka Dots ths year....

 

[lexi4darin]

What would you guys target first with regards to the chatter felt in the steering wheel over certain bumps?

Does this sound like the same issue (potential loose bolt in the column or loose column bracket)? Or is it more likely related to the steering rack?

Recap of issue: steering column has a chattering feedback over certain types of bumps or at certain degree of turn with the front wheels. The steering column doesn't feel loose, in general, but does feel like it's moving when the chattering happens. Aside from the small movement there's a thud sound that sounds like hard surface to hard surface. I have to guess the whole column is loose but not enough to tell with just your hands/arms pulling on the steering wheel but enough that 5500lbs makes it obvious on hard bumps. OR some type of steering related issue and my first guess is steering rack based on the fact the chatter usually happens with the wheels turned. For example, I typically feel the chatter every morning leaving my driveway as I hit the front wheels at the street and driveway intersection with a 20degree turn of the front wheels. The rest of my 12 mile drive to work I typically don't feel any chatter, save for a section near a school. The street at this area has a crosswalk with hundreds of the lil reflector bumps glued to the asphalt. Chatter chatter chatter.

FSM's should arrive tonight or tomorrow. First time I've ever been excited for a book.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

Obviously, you are not a subscriber of Play.... never mind, that is a mag.

 

[bamachem]

Thanks Bama.. Will look into it. Where on the coast are you?

I am originally from Mobile (live in San Francisco now). Will be back in Mobile on 2/5 for Mardi Gras. My Aunt is queen of the Poka Dots ths year....

I live on the eastern shore and work near the loop in Mobile. I love Mardi Gras!

 

[lexi4darin]

Bumping post #11.

thx,

dp

 

[Trunk Monkey]

If you're getting feedback over bumps and washboards start checking things like the tie rod ends, a-arm joints, steering rack bushing, and hubs.

 

[Mxndrnks]

There was also a post in a thread recently about checking body bolts...... just another thought....

 

[re_guderian]

As Trunk Monkey suggested, check for loose items. For me, it was the steering gear bushing on the PS. Jack up the front of the truck with the wheels on, and see if you can move the wheels laterally (3 to 9 o'clock). Also see if the steering arm moves at all before encoutering resistance.

 

[bjornod]

Same problem

The problem in my case is 45898E BUSH(FOR TILT STEERING SUPPORT BOLT)
See this diagramn:

ToyoDIY.com

BO

 

[bluecruiser]

Were you able to find the reason for this issue and fix it? I have similar "chatter" that did not used to be present before wheeling the truck....thanks

What would you guys target first with regards to the chatter felt in the steering wheel over certain bumps?

Does this sound like the same issue (potential loose bolt in the column or loose column bracket)? Or is it more likely related to the steering rack?

Recap of issue: steering column has a chattering feedback over certain types of bumps or at certain degree of turn with the front wheels. The steering column doesn't feel loose, in general, but does feel like it's moving when the chattering happens. Aside from the small movement there's a thud sound that sounds like hard surface to hard surface. I have to guess the whole column is loose but not enough to tell with just your hands/arms pulling on the steering wheel but enough that 5500lbs makes it obvious on hard bumps. OR some type of steering related issue and my first guess is steering rack based on the fact the chatter usually happens with the wheels turned. For example, I typically feel the chatter every morning leaving my driveway as I hit the front wheels at the street and driveway intersection with a 20degree turn of the front wheels. The rest of my 12 mile drive to work I typically don't feel any chatter, save for a section near a school. The street at this area has a crosswalk with hundreds of the lil reflector bumps glued to the asphalt. Chatter chatter chatter.

FSM's should arrive tonight or tomorrow. First time I've ever been excited for a book.

 

[lexi4darin]

Blue-

I've been working on other issues with the Cruiser. If you find anything repost to this thread. At this time, I think it's related to the steering rack bushing.