Howdy folks, i recently picked up a 74 Ford Maverick and am getting it ready to be certified...the car doesn't need much, however when i drove it home i noticed that the steering has about 3 inches of play in each direction (about 6 inches in total) where it doesn't really respond....The car seems to have normal rolling, so i think that rules out front end problems, which would make me think that theres a problem with the steering column... When i bought it the belt had been removed from the power steering pump since there was a leak somewhere...i think i found the faulty line and have put the belt back on, but can't drive the car around to test it since it doesn't have plates...if the power steering was disconnected would this cause the steering to be sloppy? I don't really have any experience with steering problems, so if anyone has any advice i'd love to hear from you. thanks in advance. Scott Mclean
First go to the steering box and pull the plug to check if there is steering box oil in it and up to level. Often the bottom shaft (sector shaft) seal has gone bad and let all the lube leak out. Next, you will see a lock nut around a slotted head. Loosen the lock nut and turn the screw down till you fell some resistance and stop. This may clear the steering play for you. Let us know how it goes.
