Did you replace the input shaft seal? If so, did you unscrew the large cover to pound the seal out? That cover is an adjustment. The seal can be replaced without removing that cover. Regardless, you're going to end up replacing the entire gearbox. Here's a copy of a reply I posted two days ago:
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Have a helper work the steering wheel back and forth about 1/8 turn each way, about once or twice per second, then watch where the pitman shaft comes out of the gear box. If you look very closely, you'll see the shaft is moving sideways a barely perceptible amount before it starts to turn. I never autopsied one of those I changed years ago at the dealership, but I assume there's a bushing in there vs. The bearing they used to use, and that bushing gets hammered out. That lets the shaft move away from the seal. The permanent fix is a rebuilt gear box.
When you check the shaft for sideways play, you can check the ball and socket end of the track bar right away. It's mounted to the frame near the gear box. If you see any up and down movement between the ball and socket, that bar will let the front axle move sideways a little before the wheels start to turn. Both that and the steering gear box play are two very common causes of steering wander.
Sunday, August 21st, 2011 AT 11:40 PM
