Steering Problem: Steering box or alignment?

[cargs]

My 93 ranger has developed a steering problem. It has trouble returning to centre after a turn. It has always had a small error coming back from a right hand turn, but since friday it is much worse and happens from turning either left or right. the wheel will come back within 15-20 degrees then you have to manually straighten it out.

i have checked the ball joints, wheel bearings, and all the steering linkages. everything looks tight. i also changed out the steering fluid (as much as possible). i had the truck on jack stands (wheels off) and turned the steering wheel back and forth (engine running). i didn't feel any catching or anything un-natural.

there is a bit of slop in the steering wheel, it has been like that for years. i know wheel alignment is usually the cause of no return to centre but i have a feeling the problem is coming from the steering box.

where should i start to diagnose my problem?

Any help or suggestions is much appreciated.

thanks,

cargs.

 

[doorgunner]

My '89 w/power steering did the same thing....i tried everything....within 1 year I had to turn the wheel back to center when turning corners....along with leaking p/s hoses.

I picked up a really good manual box & pitman arm at a U_PULL_IT for $50.....everything is fine now....wheel returns to center by itself...biceps are an inch bigger after 3 months of parking....

 

[cargs]

i'm not really looking to change to a manual box. it is a 4x4.

i am going to change out the radius arm bushings and pivot bushings this weekend and get an alignment. hopefully this solves the problem.

 

[cargs]

turns out it was not the steering box or alignment. the front passenger u-joint was siezed tight. i could not turn the knuckle by hand after taking off the tie rod. the other side was shot too.

i replaced both u-joints and everything is back to normal. the middle u-joint was in good shape.

 

[doorgunner]

Good job of posting the solution!!!!!

 

[legoms013]

Were your hubs engaged too? Cuz if they weren't you wouldn't be able to tell if that u-joint was siezed or not until you put in four wheel drive.

Do you have autohubs? They could be shot too if they act like one or both is always engaged (stuck in that position, allowing you to notice the siezed u-joint).

 

[akkeb]

Glad you found your fix. I have a similar issue on my 2 wheel drive. When I turn right the wheel feels fine but left is mushy. Took it for alignment and guy said toe was off but everything else was fine. I was thinking the camber was going to be off but he said no. He said it could be the steering box. If I have to replace the steering box I think I want a quicker ratio box, like from a Mustang. It is a 2WD not lowered or anything. I never really cared for the steering, to slow and soft. Anybody know if a Mustang box would work or have other ideas?

 

[hondaxr650]

Glad you found your fix. I have a similar issue on my 2 wheel drive. When I turn right the wheel feels fine but left is mushy. Took it for alignment and guy said toe was off but everything else was fine. I was thinking the camber was going to be off but he said no. He said it could be the steering box. If I have to replace the steering box I think I want a quicker ratio box, like from a Mustang. It is a 2WD not lowered or anything. I never really cared for the steering, to slow and soft. Anybody know if a Mustang box would work or have other ideas?

Mustangs have been rack and pinion since the Mustang II in the mid 70's and the box before that isn't even similair so, no.

 

[Sasquatch_Ryda]

Were your hubs engaged too? Cuz if they weren't you wouldn't be able to tell if that u-joint was siezed or not until you put in four wheel drive.

Do you have autohubs? They could be shot too if they act like one or both is always engaged (stuck in that position, allowing you to notice the siezed u-joint).

Wanna bet?

The U joints still turn with the steering knuckle weather it is in 2wd or 4wd. If the axle U joint is seized solid it will hinder steering efforts. Been there, fixed that at work many times.