What's up with my steering??

[Eric M.]

I've got a 1980, C30, 2wd. The steering seems extremely sensitive. Exactly the opposite of warn out steering components. The slightest movement of the steering wheel amounts to the truck moving, more so than I ever remember. It almost feels like the steering ratio has changed. The steering components seem tight. The steering box has 250K miles on it.

Anyone ever run into this? Any ideas?

Thanks,

Eric M.

THE FIX: Installed a new steering box as suggested below.

 

[k20]

subzilla had that problem with his, I gave him one of my old leaky steering boxes I had laying around just to try and it fixed his problem, well, once he got one that wasnt so leaky.

 

[4X4HIGH]

Have you changed anything or worked on any steering component recently?

 

[76zimmer]

did anyone play with the box adjustment?

 

[Fordum]

There is a spool valve in the box that is held centered by springs. When you turn the wheel, as soon as the force trying to turn the steering exceeds the springs, the spool valve moves allowing hydraulic pressure to push things along to the point where the spool valve is centered again.
As you continue to turn the wheel, the valve follows along.

It sounds like your valve has a little slop in it, allowing it to travel farther than usual when the spring gives causing the steering to turn more, or else there is some wear where the spool seals allowing more fluid than normal to pass per distance traveled.

In other words, you will probably be in the market for a new steering box soon.

Check all bolts holding everything on first though. Especially the frame around the box and its mounting bolts.

J.

 

[Eric M.]

I have not changed or touched anything on the truck for a while (knock on wood). That spool valve sounds like it could be the issue, plus, if subzilla had the same problem and a new box (or old one with a better spool valve) helped, maybe I will need to get a new box.

Thanks,

Eric M.

 

[DEMON44]

unless you punked a curb or something hard enough to put your tires toe IN just enough to get sensitive steering.

too much toe-in will make it feel hypersensitive.

 

[Eric M.]

The alignment might be out. I'm not the only one who drives the truck. The tires seem to be wearing well. How much toe in would result in this type of steering issue? I'd hate to align and find I still need a new box ... on the other hand, I'd hate to buy a new box and find out all I needed was an alignment!

Thanks,

Eric M.

 

[k20]

Just set it with a tape measure (all Ive done for the past....6yrs), I measure center to center in front & behind the tire, and set it toe in about an 1/8".

 

[Eric M.]

I'm not that good. Tried it once with a new set of BFGs. Went through the fronts in 6K miles.

I talked to the shop that does my alignments. They told me it's probably the box. That was good enough for me. I ordered a new one from PSC. I'll post up if it did the fix.

Anyone want a 2wd sector shaft ... with 250K on it


Eric M.

 

[Eric M.]

A new steering box did the trick. Thanks Fordum.


Eric M.