Hey all,

So I've got a 1995 F150 XLT l6 4x4 and there is a lot of play in the steering wheel. I've had all tie rods replaced and pitman arm within about a year. Had all ball joints and wheel bearings replaced a couple months ago. What could be causing it? Gear box? Is there anything in the steering column like a bushing or coupling that wears out? Thanks for the help.

-Aaron

 

I believe there is a flex/fabric link in the steering linkage - should be able to see it midways between the steering box and the firewall, where the column exits.

Steering box is the next likely culprit, if the rest of the system are in good shape. You should be able to "see" it with some one turning the wheel while you scope things out.

 

Well I took a look at the steering and there is no "break" in between the solid shaft. If you start with the steering wheel it connects to a U-Joint and then the other side of the U-Joint goes all the way to the gear box. There is a rubber covering over the entire steering shaft in the engine bay. If I wiggle the steering shat in the engine bay in wiggles all the way down to the gear box. So does this mean I don't have a "2 part" steering shaft? I'll try to post a picture.

 

 

That is a slip shaft; one inside the other so the steering shaft can collapse in an accident. You can get play in that but it's not real common.
You do have a rubber isolator piece (commonly called the 'rag gear'), it's right at the end of the shaft connected to the steering box (gear). That can go bad.
Most likely cause of slop is the steering box itself - a rebuilt is cheap if you consider it's importance, but check the other 2 things as well.

 

Thank you Chris. Can you please explain how I would go about diagnosing if either part you described is bad?

 

You need two people - one to turn the wheel and one to watch and see what isn't moving when the steering column is.

A little tiny bit of play will result in a lot of steering play.

There is a plastic cover you have to pop off of the column/steering box to be able to see the joint Chris is talking about.

 

Okay so the issue was the rag joint at the gear box connection. Replaced it and it feels like new! Thanks for y'all's help!

 

I'm having a similar problem. Can you post a link to the part and/or part number?

 

Well what I went ahead and did was just replace the whole steering shaft when I replaced my gear box. I used the Borgeson steering shaft with u joints at both ends. I like it a lot.
Borgeson 000981 Steering Shaft
You could just replace the rag joint on the stock one though. Here is the Ford part number: C9UZ3A525A