Sloppy Steering Adjustment

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Bigtman07

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Ok I know many 2nd gens out there have this problem. So here is a simple DIY To follow to take care of some of the slop. Maybe correct some wheel angle problems. I will be adding pictures later for better clarification.

Difficulty Rate: :) If you can turn a wrench you can probably do this.

(This DIY is intended for instructional purposes and I nor the forum are responsible for any damage while you are following this DIY. Use your best judgment while working on your truck. Be safe and follow safety precautions.
In short; you are on your own I am only providing you a guide.)


Tools Needed:

16mm Open End Box Wrench
4.5 or 5.0 hex key.
Maybe some Brake Cleaner for the dirty ones

Step 1:
If the box has dirt and other debris on it you are going to want to spray the box down with brake wash to remove most of the dirt. Make sure you clean the top of the box.

Step 2:
On the top of the steering gearbox you will see a large bolt located on the top near the middle. This is the 16mm bolt that you will need to lossen.

Step 3:
Insert the Hex Key into the top of the nut and point it to wards the front of the truck. Then loosen the 16mm nut about 1 or 2 turns. Keep the hex key pointed to the front.

Step 4:
Either have another person sit in the truck and wiggle the wheel back in forth while you tighten the screw or get up and down a lot to take up the play. You should only adjust the screw about a 1/4 turn at a time. A 3/4 turn will roughly take out 2 inches of slop. Don't tighten the hex too tight or it may cause damage to the steering box. The steering should be tight but not so tight that when you are finished that you have to muscle the wheel.

Step 5:
After adjusting the screw. Hold the hex in the position where you adjusted it and tighten the 16mm nut. Nice and snug. DON'T OVER TIGHTEN.

Step 6:
Start the truck and check for any leaks. Test your steering see if you still have play. If so you can repeat the steps to get rid of most of it.
 

ramhunter9

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nice DIY ... should come in real handy for the 2nd gen crowd
 
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Bigtman07

Bigtman07

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I'm hoping. Being a 2nd gen I plan on doing many more writeups. I'll be doing some Video DIY and DIY with pictures. Pictures will come when I get home. Oil Change DIY is next if ya think I should make one up for that.
 

ramhunter9

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This also goes for 3rd gen trucks , I have done this and it works !
 

Billyg

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Please clarify

I haven't seen anyone mention it but when you are wiggling the steering wheel I assume the engine is off so that the power steering isn't being used.
 
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Bigtman07

Bigtman07

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Yup that is correct. If you start the engine while doing this you will get a shower of PS Fluid. (Knows from experience) lol
 

Luke(MI)

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FYI, if you do not have a 16mm, 5/8" SAE is the same size.
 

MathersAlan

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Thanks! I have to give this a try!

My steering wheel has a lot of play in it compared to when it was new.. I've tested the idle arm and tie rod ends for play but there are none..It is also out of line and I am not sure if the gearbox is shot from all the dirt roads in its prime and I am hoping this would work will give it a try after work today.
 
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Bigtman07

Bigtman07

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It's worth a shot. Supposed to be a pretty sealed system. Give it a shot and let us know how it goes. Welcome tot he Forum too!!!
 

Jman06

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Hey. I had some loose steering issues with my 2003 2500 cummins. Before awaring my local shop (while it was in for oil), i googled it. Thats when i came across this thread.. Luckily somone had posted this works for 3rd gen as well.. So i gave it a wirl. Mine had a 11/16" nut locking down the 16mm. Anywho, turned it a 1/4 turn took for ride workd. So i turned another 1/4 turn(full half trun from start) and what a world of difference! I dont kno how well it really is, only took it for mile test drive so far. Bt so far so good! Doesnt feel like new, but definitely worked!! I was afraid to put any tighter. So its a little loose but deff alot better than where it started! Good enough for me to join this forum!!
 

ramhunter9

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Awesome man ^^ Glad it helped you out . And welcome to RF
 

ramhunter9

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I just did this today and it feels better also .
 
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Bigtman07

Bigtman07

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Amazing the little tricks we learn. Glad it helped ya RH
 

rambob

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what is it actually adjusting though????
maybe if I could understand it better I would be willing to try it on my severely worn box. but I'm worried about "tightening" it.
 

ramhunter9

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There is a bolt in it that tightens down causing fluid to be tighter per say . And that means stiffer on the wheel .
 

ramhunter9

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Just dont over tighten it and you will be fine
 
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