Loose steering

Hi,

That is certainly excessive. Have you checked things such as tie rods, the pitman arm, the center link, and the idler arm? Something is loose.

If you look below, I attached a few pics. The first one shows the pitman arm. This is mounted right to the steering gear. Have a helper move the steering wheel to see if there is play where it attaches to the center link.

Also, on the passenger side is an idler arm. It resembles the pitman arm, but this is bolted to the frame and then it attaches to the center link. See pic 2

Pic 3 below shows the center link. This is where everything attaches. Again, check for excessive play in any of the joints.

At the end of the steering link, there will be an inner tie rod on each end and then outer tie rods that attach to the steering knuckle. Safely lift one wheel at a time, place your hands at 3 and 9 o'clock, and wiggle the wheel back and forth to see if there is play in the tie rods.

Last, there are two intermediate shafts between the steering wheel and the steering gear. Check to see if there is play in the joints where they join and check at the gear itself. Pic 4 shows the shafts and how they join.

If everything is tight, then it is likely the gear itself. Have a helper move the steering wheel back and forth while you check for play at these points.

Let me know what you find so I can direct you on how to repair it.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Hello, I'm Danny.

Sounds like you may be having excessive play in the steering you've described due to a worn power steering gear box. I've attached picture steps below for replacement of the steering gear box for your truck. Let us know if you have further questions on this issue. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Hello again.

Okay, Keep us updated as to what you find. Thanks again for using 2CarPros.

Danny-