Posted: 1/23/2010 9:10:51 PM EDT
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Got a 1999 S-10 4x4 truck with a worn out steering box. At what point should it be replaced if it has play in it? Usually bumps upset it and I find myself correcting it constantly.
It's even worse when it's windy.. |
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You probably have an adjustment you can make. The wear is in the ball nut to sector gear, the latter being a spherically broached gear sector. The adjustment places preload on the sector, forcing it into interference mesh with the ball nut. The sector gear is what turns the Pittman arm. Be careful, too much preload can cause wear on the bearings. |
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Quoted:
You probably have an adjustment you can make. The wear is in the ball nut to sector gear, the latter being a spherically broached gear sector. The adjustment places preload on the sector, forcing it into interference mesh with the ball nut. The sector gear is what turns the Pittman arm. Be careful, too much preload can cause wear on the bearings. unless you know exactly how to make that adjustment..I do not recommend doing so. |
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Quoted:
Got a 1999 S-10 4x4 truck with a worn out steering box. At what point should it be replaced if it has play in it? Usually bumps upset it and I find myself correcting it constantly. It's even worse when it's windy.. Your box is shot already...I would not even drive the truck until it is replaced. Quoted:
It's the steering gear. I checked it out today. I turn the key on to unlock the steering wheel itself and I can literally grab the lower intermediate shaft, and rotate it back and forth. I's day a good 2-3" of play in it. That's completely shot. I have '29 Oakland...the steering wheel play is only about 1/4"...and that is too much. 
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I really didn't feel like dropping more money into it but, It's my daily driver and it's paid for.
I'm gonna order one up from Rock Auto. I can get a new AC Delco steering gear box for $508 and that includes a charge of $110 for the core. Local shop will install it for $180. |