Steering issue

[jordigil]

Hi.
My 87 Blazer had a kinky steering, with a loose movement of the steering wheel, movement of steering with no reaction. From 11pm to 1am steering wheel moved with no wheels reaction. So driving was like I was in a boat moving the steering wheel right and left.


I have recently changed to a brand new steering system, so all tie rod ends brand new, adjusting sleeves, and brand new Lares power steering gear, and coupler trying to solve the loose movement (play) of the steering wheel. Tires are also brand new.


After all the new parts installed and all the expensive parts purchase and mechanic installation the steering wheel still have the loose movement. Maybe lets say a little bit less than before, but nothing that justify the investment.

Anybody know if this kinky movement of the steering wheel is normal, and impossible to reduce?
Or I can adjust the new steering gear maybe working on the nut the steerint gear has on the top?

I am so disappointed of the result of all the work and money invested for almost nothing, due the problem is not solved.
Anybody has some good advice or solution?

Many thanks in advance for your help and attention.

 

[Wes Harden]

No this is not normal.

1st thing to do is have helper move the wheel, while you watch from under the truck. Look for one part that moves but not the connected part. Start your inspection at the steering shaft, from the collum. The helper should move the wheel the same amount as the play.
Did the mechanic inspect the rest of the steering components while the replacement where installed ?
Ball joints could be worn.
Does your truck have a lift?
What are the caster readings ?
I am assuming an alignment was done at time of repairs.

 

[6.2Blazer]

With that much slop in the steering wheel it should have been easy to see where it was coming from. Just have somebody turn the steering wheel back and forth and start looking at everything and see where the slop is. Open the hood and look at where the steering column comes out of the firewall. Make sure the joint there is turning at the same rate as the steering wheel, then follow the shaft down to the steering box and again make sure everything is moving going into the steering box, then look at the output (pitman arm) of the steering box, through the drag link, tie rod, etc.... Again, if you can move the steering wheel between 11 and 1 with the tires not moving it should be easy to see where the slop is.

 

[jordigil]

Hi and thanks for your fast reply.
We did all you say, so helper in the steering wheel moving, and mechanic under watching. We have no idea from where the play comes. When steering shaft moves, all the rest moves at the same time, coupler and main output shaft from steering gear.
All the components are brand new, the ball joints, tie rod ends, steering gear, coupler, tires... all is new.
When you move the steering wheel you see the same movement to all the steering parts, also the movement that does not move the wheels, steering shaft moves, coupler moves and output steering gear shaft moves with the same movement, but from 11pm to 1am all moves except the wheels.
The truck has no lift, all is stock. Only has a wider and bigger tires, it is 33x12.5 R15.
Alligment was done at the end of repair.
My mechanic says, this is normal due the big tires and type of old US 4x4 big car. I have to say I am living in Spain, and my mechanic is not used to work in this kind of car.
But I am really pissed off seeing all the money invested with almost no improvement. I was thinking it is fault of Lares, the first steering gear I received a brand new part, was defective with a fluid lose and a bigger play than the old one. We complained and after returning the defective I got a new one but with this small play...
Any suggestion?

 

[jordigil]

Is it possible to adjust the steering gear working on the main bolt it has on he top of steering gear box?

 

[Wes Harden]

Also check the frame rail where steering box mounts for cracks.
This is a common issue, that happens when bigger tires are used aggressively.

 

[jordigil]

Sorry I forgot to explain that yes, we found some cracks in the frame rail where steering box mounts. We repaired and welded all the cracks.

 

[6872xtc]

It sounds as if the steering gear isn't properly adjusted. Yes, the nut and stud assembly on the top. The nut is the lock for the stud. Loosen the nut while holding the stud with a hex wrench. Then hold the nut to adjust the stud down into the steering gear. Go in small increments as the proper procedure is supposed to have the pitman arm disconnected and use a rolling torque reading.

 

[Wes Harden]

It is possible to adjust. It is a very critical adjustment.
Most people do more damage than good.
It is best to do with the gear off the truck on a bench. Take your time a double check everything.
I will find my unit overhaul manual, and post pictures.
While I am looking, you should check the torque on all the spring u bolts. Also double check your wheel bearing adjustments.

It would not surprise me if the steering gear box was to blame.
Thou if truly is a new manufacture is very disappointing.
If remanufactured then yes it is 50% of the units aren't good.

 

[jordigil]

Many thanks, I will try. But do you have any idea of the torque needed?
So if we move the stud into the steering gear in small increments, the result is adjusting the play of the pitman arm?

 

[jordigil]

No is a Lares brand new part not remanufactured. Bough in Rockauto. Maybe I should have bought a BBB Industries steering gear instead of Lares...

 

[Wes Harden]

You need to perform the adjustment as procedure.
I will get info from gm soonish

 

[jordigil]

Many thanks Wes. Nice to have your help.

 

[Wes Harden]

So the overhaul manual only has thrust bearing adjustment. So much for "Overhaul".

Going to keep digging. I have a few more manuals. Fortunately I am currently at the house they are all stored.

 

[Wes Harden]

1984 is the closest manual to your truck I have, should be the same info as far as the steering gear goes.

So I hope you get it figured out. I know all about spending money on and not seeing much improvement. Also on your tires, since they are larger size you should lower the air pressure you run in them. This may help the "feel" as you drive.

 

[Wes Harden]

If you do the thrust bearing preload do it before the over-center adjustment.

 

[jordigil]

Many thanks.
I will take a close look into your attached info, and let you know.
Thank you again.