Steering and suspension - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

ClassicRedneck05 · 07-28-2006, 11:30 AM

I was wondering if anyone could help me with a little problem im having with my steering my lower controlarm on the passanger side of my truck keeps sliding because the u-bolts are not staying tight i assume i have a STROG pull to the right also on my steering shaft the other day i had turned my wheel and felt a pop and now have a LOT of play in my steering and kind of lose in the wheel but the box is fine but the shaft comming from the box up to the column right on the joint where they meet its got a lot of play in that now as well anyone know what i need to do to fix sorry its not the best description

Americanrider · 07-28-2006, 03:28 PM

First I would recommend that you take a run to the hardware store and get some locking nuts for those U bolts. Torque to specs and re-check after 30 miles or so.

As for the second problem with your steering column more info is needed, what column are you running? Floor shift, 3 on the tree or auto cloumn shift? 4x4 or 2wd? Power or man steering box?

My best wild guess is that a bearing in the lower end of the column was binding up and gave out. Is there any grinding noises when you turn the wheel w/motor off, front end up on jackstands?

ClassicRedneck05 · 07-28-2006, 03:50 PM

im running the original steering colomn 3 spd auto TH350 tranny its power steering well right not the pump is off till i get new pully and brackets and bolts to mout back up but i know where the 2 chafts meet its really loose now and have a clickin noise um in the colmn somewhere

PanelDeland · 07-28-2006, 06:05 PM

I agree with the bearing replacement probably being the best bet.While you are at it I would replace the rag joint between the two shafts.

Longhorn Man · 07-28-2006, 06:36 PM

Have some one turning the wheel back and forth and stick your head in there and locate the slop/noise.
Personally, I wouldn't drive it untill you find the problem. I'd rather lose the brakes over steering personally.

**oldgold70c10** · 07-28-2006, 06:59 PM

That lower control arm shaft has a hole in it that engages a lug in the front saddle. Make sure that you get it back into place, or it might move around and contribute to the u-bolt nuts loosening up. This will mess up your alignment and steering. I agree about the locknuts, also, might want to take the u-bolts off and clean the threads so you can torque them accurately, or get new ones.

ClassicRedneck05 · 11-05-2006, 02:17 PM

well where could i get that rag joint at only thing i can find is the whole shaft in LMC and its just a steel shaft that i would have to cut to lengthnothing to do with the joint at all but when i hit a bupe the whole front end wobbles and goes crazy i have to slam on the brakes to make it stop and slowto almost a stop

Longhorn Man · 11-05-2006, 05:18 PM

That sounds more like tie rod ends, or the idler arm to me, not the steering shaft. (onless you've seen otherwise, then disregard)

CPNEJR · 11-05-2006, 07:20 PM

if there is a clicking noise in the colum that means that the bearings are shot we have the same problem with our 1 ton

**LockDoc** · 11-05-2006, 09:27 PM

Not to sound like a smart a$$ but I agree with Longhorn Man. I wouldn't drive it till you get it fixed. You obviously have a major problem somewhere. Your going to kill yourself, or someone else.... That thing is dangerous...

LockDoc

ClassicRedneck05 · 11-05-2006, 09:56 PM

well i can grab that shaft and move it around a lil its got a lot of play in it but i just dont know where to get that bushind or seal or what ever it is that will go there and with them U bolts ocmmin lose makes it hard to make left turs as well as i dont have powersterering anymore either i dont drive it if i do its afteri worked on it to see if i fixed it and its only around the block im a firefighter so i see some messed up thinks im not willing to put my life or other in danger... anyways any idead on where i could possible get the parts?

07-28-2006, 11:30 AM	#1
ClassicRedneck05 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Humble, Texas Posts: 262	Steering and suspension I was wondering if anyone could help me with a little problem im having with my steering my lower controlarm on the passanger side of my truck keeps sliding because the u-bolts are not staying tight i assume i have a STROG pull to the right also on my steering shaft the other day i had turned my wheel and felt a pop and now have a LOT of play in my steering and kind of lose in the wheel but the box is fine but the shaft comming from the box up to the column right on the joint where they meet its got a lot of play in that now as well anyone know what i need to do to fix sorry its not the best description

07-28-2006, 03:28 PM	#2
Americanrider Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: NW, WA. Posts: 1,421	Re: Steering and suspension First I would recommend that you take a run to the hardware store and get some locking nuts for those U bolts. Torque to specs and re-check after 30 miles or so. As for the second problem with your steering column more info is needed, what column are you running? Floor shift, 3 on the tree or auto cloumn shift? 4x4 or 2wd? Power or man steering box? My best wild guess is that a bearing in the lower end of the column was binding up and gave out. Is there any grinding noises when you turn the wheel w/motor off, front end up on jackstands? Last edited by Americanrider; 07-28-2006 at 03:30 PM.

07-28-2006, 03:50 PM	#3
ClassicRedneck05 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Humble, Texas Posts: 262	Re: Steering and suspension im running the original steering colomn 3 spd auto TH350 tranny its power steering well right not the pump is off till i get new pully and brackets and bolts to mout back up but i know where the 2 chafts meet its really loose now and have a clickin noise um in the colmn somewhere

07-28-2006, 06:05 PM	#4
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,993	Re: Steering and suspension I agree with the bearing replacement probably being the best bet.While you are at it I would replace the rag joint between the two shafts. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

07-28-2006, 06:36 PM	#5
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Steering and suspension Have some one turning the wheel back and forth and stick your head in there and locate the slop/noise. Personally, I wouldn't drive it untill you find the problem. I'd rather lose the brakes over steering personally.

07-28-2006, 06:59 PM	#6
oldgold70c10 Who's got steelies? Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Morrison, Oklahoma Posts: 1,026	Re: Steering and suspension That lower control arm shaft has a hole in it that engages a lug in the front saddle. Make sure that you get it back into place, or it might move around and contribute to the u-bolt nuts loosening up. This will mess up your alignment and steering. I agree about the locknuts, also, might want to take the u-bolts off and clean the threads so you can torque them accurately, or get new ones. __________________ 1969 C10 LWB W/ 250 I6 & 3spd 1970 C10 with '67 small window cab, 68 front end, blue; 305/TH350, 3.08 limited slip rear end, manual brakes, power steering; & 4-wheel drums-My daily driver. 1975 Chevelle Malibu Classic Coupe 350/th350 mint green 1970 C20 Suburban 350/700R4 4.10 gearing green & white 1978 Big 10 Silverado 350/th350, working ac, 2 tone blue-My summer daily driver 1983 GMC 1500 Sierra 305/SM465 2.73 rear end How to add a trip odometer to your 67-72 stock speedometer How to rebuild your Q-Jet My Truck Page My Youtube Channel

11-05-2006, 02:17 PM	#7
ClassicRedneck05 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Humble, Texas Posts: 262	Re: Steering and suspension well where could i get that rag joint at only thing i can find is the whole shaft in LMC and its just a steel shaft that i would have to cut to lengthnothing to do with the joint at all but when i hit a bupe the whole front end wobbles and goes crazy i have to slam on the brakes to make it stop and slowto almost a stop

11-05-2006, 05:18 PM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Re: Steering and suspension That sounds more like tie rod ends, or the idler arm to me, not the steering shaft. (onless you've seen otherwise, then disregard)

11-05-2006, 07:20 PM	#9
CPNEJR Registered User Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Franconia,N.H. Posts: 1,029	Re: Steering and suspension if there is a clicking noise in the colum that means that the bearings are shot we have the same problem with our 1 ton __________________ (Only) Member of the CPNE Fan Club Aint that the truth 67 C-10 350 with 3-speed tranny and 308 gears swb step 82 Z28 Camaro 355 small block over 350 hp and a borg warner super t-10 (blown engine) 72 Chevy K20 Suburban (future project) 70 Chevy K20 now 68 GMC K2500 2003 Chevy 2500hd ccsb 4X4 (daily driver)

11-05-2006, 09:27 PM	#10
LockDoc The Older Generation Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Montezuma, Iowa Posts: 25,423	Re: Steering and suspension Not to sound like a smart a$$ but I agree with Longhorn Man. I wouldn't drive it till you get it fixed. You obviously have a major problem somewhere. Your going to kill yourself, or someone else.... That thing is dangerous... LockDoc __________________ Leon Locksmith, Specializing In Antique Trucks, Automobiles, & Motorcycles (My Dually Pickup Project Thread) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=829820 -

11-05-2006, 09:56 PM	#11
ClassicRedneck05 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Humble, Texas Posts: 262	Re: Steering and suspension well i can grab that shaft and move it around a lil its got a lot of play in it but i just dont know where to get that bushind or seal or what ever it is that will go there and with them U bolts ocmmin lose makes it hard to make left turs as well as i dont have powersterering anymore either i dont drive it if i do its afteri worked on it to see if i fixed it and its only around the block im a firefighter so i see some messed up thinks im not willing to put my life or other in danger... anyways any idead on where i could possible get the parts?



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