Thread: STEERING SLOP

Check the rubber connection on the steering shaft just in front of the firewall by getting someone to move the steering wheel while you have a close look at the rubber bit. My 1990 RRC had big cracks in in it that were only visible when I did this. If this is OK there is an adjuster on the top of the steering box

Originally Posted by lennardj

My '90 3.9 Rangie has a lot of "slop" in the steering wheel, box does not leak but steering is to say the least "vague"; are there any adjustments that can be made that may improve things somewhat - thanks for any advice............lennardj

Thanks very much for that Nick S --- Ill have a look later today and will keep you posted - email was much appreciated .... lennardj

Lennardj

You should also, or maybe first, check the Pitman (steering) arm coming out of the bottom of the box that connects to the drag link.

The bolts have a reputation of coming loose and wearing the splines. Check for tightness and if any movement present visually check the splines and replace if necessary. You should also check each of the tie rod ends for wear.

Next check the bushes on the panhard rod. Use a lever to see if the rod can move side to side. Worn bushes will feel like vague steering, as it allows the whole axle to move instead of turning the swivels.

Diana

Nearly right Dana ,except its the balljoint on the Drop arm that usually plays up way before you get a loose nut/spline.
I agree first is the Ball joint on the drop arm
then the Panhard rod bushes bolts
Then the adjustment preload on the Swivel housings
Then the other 3 balljoints
Then the diff end radius rod bushes
Then the steering damper
Then the chassis end radius rod bushes
Backlash adjustment in steering box/steering box overhaul .
And if that dont work
Jack up the number plates and stick a new car on them !!!!! LOL

Originally Posted by 400HPONGAS

Nearly right Dana ,except its the ...

Maybe it was just a manufacturing fault with my '85 but the pitman arm spline was wearing just after the car was out of warranty and long before the joint was worn.

Probably was fitted on a friday afternnon.

Aint no manufacfuring Fault !
Bad QA/QC ,or more like total lack of QA/QC