Thread: Steering kickback

I've been experiencing some intermittent thumping from my 86 Hiline when turning the wheel and applying power (parking and 90 degree turns, mostly right turns)
Lately it's become more frequent at the steering is kicking back, both on and off power (although it's barely noticeable off power). Still livable and drivable but getting rather annoying.

The LH swivel is leaking a bit, but the mechanic said it looks fine as long as it is kept topped up.
There's also the standard rust-protection from the power steering pump.
Does this sound like a worn steering damper (looks easy enough to replace by myself), or possibly something that actually requires mechanical aptitude?

Thanks in advance for your input!

Well "easy" is relative.
It is not complicated to do, but the components are very heavy and dirty and really if you are disturbing old seals there is a great possibility that they will leak when you put it back together.
Also for the extra work involved it is best to replace the swivel seal and swivel bearings.
You have to undo the caliper and hang it up on wire.
Undo the driveshaft cap and remove
undo the upper swivel bearing cap, which also has the brake pipe bracket on it. I do not think you have to remove the spindle/bearing assembly but if you do it makes it lighter. I probably would as the disc and hub is heavy.

You can then swing the whole (heavy) swivel assembly down and out to have a look at the CV. The inner driveshaft is still attached so it is pretty awkward. There is a seal inside where the 6-7 bolt flange is ,that joins the swivel itself to the axle so be careful to hold the axle central as you pull it out(with your third hand)
Regards Philip A