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Power steering problem, BIG time!


emr454

Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2009
Messages
6
Vehicle Year
1993
Transmission
Manual
Ok guys I really hope you can help me out here. Just recently I've been having problems with my 93 ranger. Sometimes it seems to steer by itself. Here's what I've noticed:

-Sometimes when driving straight down the road, the steering wheel will get tight and feel like someones pushing on it, and I have to force it back to center. It will do this for a minute or so, and then occasionally when it does this, the whole truck jerks to the left or right, and I have to catch it and bring it back into my lane before I go into the ditch or in the other lane. Its done this to me 4 times in the last month

-On accelerating from a stop, and turning to go through an intersection, it will hear a clunking noise as soon as I start to move(may or may not be related to the other problem.)

-I've also noticed some play in the part of the steering column under the hood. I can grab it and rotate it back and forth about an inch.

Here's what I've done to try and fix it:

-Suctioned out as much PS fluid as I could and replaced with new fluid only to find out that the Haynes manual reccomends Mercon ATF instead of regular PS fluid, which I put in:icon_confused:

-Tightened the set-screw/bolt thing on top of the gearbox. I tightened it as far as I could and it didnt seem to help at all. Maybe loosening it will help?

-PS fluid is topped off

-Greased everything under the front end

-Serp belt is tight

-Dont see any leaks anywhere

-Checked steering box to frame bolts, all tight


Anyone have any clues? Im almost afraid to drive it because it may just stop steering or lock up at any time, its completely random when it happens. ANy help is GREATLY appreciated.

Eric
 
Oh, forgot to add:

I noticed when it was acting up, that if I turned the wheel a little to the left or right and let go, the wheel centers itself very quickly. That isnt normal is it?
 
I'd check ball joints and tie rods. In a failing state they can send all sorts of weird feedback through the steering as well as toss you back and forth across the road as you describe.
 
Ok, I'll check the balljoints and tie rods. How exactly do you check the tierods for wear?

Also, should the gearbox have that much play in it? If I grab the steering shaft under the hood I can rotate it about an inch in both directions. If a new gearbox is needed, whats the newest year Ranger thats still compatible with a 93? Maybe a newer year would have less wear?

Eric
 
Check your steering shaft, on my 89 ranger it went bad and I would have a ton of play side to side in my steering, and if I turn the steering shaft from the engine bay, it would have the same play you describe above, I replaced the shaft part(easy 2 bolts and replace) from a new replacement out of a junker car, and it was back to normal. I have Powersteering leaks so my trucks steering was garbage but the play is gone.
 
Check your steering shaft, on my 89 ranger it went bad and I would have a ton of play side to side in my steering, and if I turn the steering shaft from the engine bay, it would have the same play you describe above, I replaced the shaft part(easy 2 bolts and replace) from a new replacement out of a junker car, and it was back to normal. I have Powersteering leaks so my trucks steering was garbage but the play is gone.

I agree, the rubber coupler on my steering shaft dry rotted and gave my truck sloppy steering. I was lucky to find one in the junkyard as the new ones are a ripoff from the dealer.
 
From the primary symptom it sounds like a sticking spool valve (control valve) inside
the box.

Frankly it sounds like your steering box needs to be replaced, not adjusted or repaired.

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