steering problem!!!!

[tek970chevy]

i noticed when i was driving that my steering wheel had alot of free play... when its parked, instead of it being stiff or not moving, it still moves... i dont have much knowledge on steering but if theres anybody out there that does..any tip helps.... thanks

[gearys 5600]

Check your steering gear box for play, Also check your tie rods and pitman arm.

[68gmsee]

Check the gearbox adjustment as gearys mentioned. There's an adjsutment you can make there but don't overdo that adjustment. They rarely become maladjusted on their own. If it's real loose, then there is probably worm gear wear and may need to be replaced.

If the play is not in the gearbox, then I would take it in to a front end place and have them check the tie rod ends and ball joints. They have a special tool they use to see how worn they are. That's usually where most of the steering wear will be on these old trucks.

[Mike J]

yeah, look at the pitman arm- I had replaced nearly every part in my front end besides that piece when I did the drop and then found I had excessive play in the pitman arm link- I could wiggle the steering shaft and watch the arm move back and forth...

[Mondo]

Probably steering box... pretty common

[tek970chevy]

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

Check the gearbox adjustment as gearys mentioned. There's an adjsutment you can make there but don't overdo that adjustment. They rarely become maladjusted on their own. If it's real loose, then there is probably worm gear wear and may need to be replaced.

If the play is not in the gearbox, then I would take it in to a front end place and have them check the tie rod ends and ball joints. They have a special tool they use to see how worn they are. That's usually where most of the steering wear will be on these old trucks.

its not the pitman arm or tie rods..... how can i adjust the gear box?

[70cst]

Originally Posted by tek970chevy

its not the pitman arm or tie rods..... how can i adjust the gear box?

If its the steering box...time to rebuild or replace. I think.

[RustyParts]

Don't forget to check the shaft coupler joint. It could be worn out.

[cdowns]

improperly adjusting that screw can cause catastropic failure at the worst possible time// read about it in factory service manual for proper way to do it for safety

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by tek970chevy

its not the pitman arm or tie rods..... how can i adjust the gear box?

A quick search and I found this that may help.

http://www.chevytrucks.org/tech/steering_box_adjust.htm

forgot to add: As cdowns mentioned acquire a manual because the adjustments can be critical if not done properly. Just remember that this and the brake system is probably the most important thing to make sure is working right.