I have kinda been reading on the site but I guess I dont quite understand. I have some play in my steering wheel and with the wet weather coming im kinda nervous. Its not completely horrible because I have been driving but it does make me uncomfortable. How do I go about fixing it?
Look at the idler arm first. That's usually the thing that goes (provided everything else is ok). The part is around $25-$40 usually.
Power steering adds the control valve in the assortment of possibilities... Start as Comet Fever suggested and take note of any movement between the parts... Unless recently replaced, idler arms are always suspect in these steering systems... Here's a complete system with power steering... Tie rods are at each end of the shorter rods while the idler arm is on the right end of the large center section(drag link)... The control valve is on the left but if the P/S works as it should, it's probably OK... Also the steering sector or it's coupler(rag joint)can be worn and cause play even if all the above parts are fine... If movement of the steering wheel doesn't produce movement of the lower arm at same time, there's a problem in the sector or coupler... Steering sector and coupler are directly under the master cylinder...
if everything looks good and doesnt move much u might want to check the Steering box for play as i had a similar problem with my 74. turned out to have alot of play n the steering box and there is a worm screw on the top of the box that u can use to adjust the play if that is what it is. as it is a rare thing to have but if it has alot of miles on the car u might want to check that
Yup, I believe there are four checks but only three of them are practical... All you ever wanted to know about a Ford steering sector, I read this a couple times before declaring mine OK and setting it up... There are also rebuild pointers... http://www.stangerssite.com/HowItWorksSteeringBox.html
thanks for the info. as i was just giving an example of what i had to do to fix mine. As 1 of the fellow car guys n my town who owns a shop told me to adjust that to fix my issue and it did. My play was really bad like an 1/5 turn b4 the front wheels would move after turning the steering wheel. so again thanks for the link. i used the Gear Mesh adjustment to fix mine
this should be put where it can be found without a lot of searching...I could have used this years ago...:Handshake
Ill have my father help me look under there and check. None of my front end has been replaced since purchased from the factory. so aside from the idler front arm and all of the rubber grommet things what else are common parts to go out. I am looking to do a total front end rebuild anyways since its old and needs some refreshed handling. any kits or suggestions?
