Play in the steering + drift to the right?

[ArmArak]

Hi guys,

My 2001 has a problem with its steering. The steering wheel has a lot of play in it and consistently drifts to the right. I checked the steering column and there is zero play in it so that's not the issue for sure. My left outer tie rod was bad so I had that changed out. Could my inner tie rods, or the other outer tie rods be causing my issues? what else could be the problem? I think bushings in the steering rack could also be the culprit but I'm not sure how to check.

Thanks!

 

[Kanoe]

Steering rack bushings are easy to check. Have someone move the steering wheel left to right while you watch the steering rack for movement. There will be almost no movement on tight bushings.

If they are real bad you’ll see rub marks from things slopping around

You can use the same method to get a rough idea on the other components also.

 

[ArmArak]

Steering rack bushings are easy to check. Have someone move the steering wheel left to right while you watch the steering rack for movement. There will be almost no movement on tight bushings.

If they are real bad you’ll see rub marks from things slopping around

You can use the same method to get a rough idea on the other components also.

Ok, I’ll make sure to check, thanks! Do you think this could be causing the slop in my steering?


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[Built4Run]

Ok, I’ll make sure to check, thanks! Do you think this could be causing the slop in my steering?


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Before posting a thread like this you should do a little more investigation,
ever heard of Look with your eyes, not your mouth?
Jack up the front shake down the front suspension,
Check your inner and outter tie rods.
Yes if there’s play in a tie rod it will result in play in steering.... cmon now..
Also check upper ball joints and lower ball joints, if you don’t know how look in you service manual or I’m sure there’s already a thread for that.
Not trying to be a a** but we can’t tell you what’s wrong with your truck over the computer bro ....

 

[ArmArak]

Before posting a thread like this you should do a little more investigation,
ever heard of Look with your eyes, not your mouth?
Jack up the front shake down the front suspension,
Check your inner and outter tie rods.
Yes if there’s play in a tie rod it will result in play in steering.... cmon now..
Also check upper ball joints and lower ball joints, if you don’t know how look in you service manual or I’m sure there’s already a thread for that.
Not trying to be a a** but we can’t tell you what’s wrong with your truck over the computer bro ....

I just changed my lower ball joints, and my uppers are solid.

Maybe I didn't explain well that I only felt play in the driver outer tie rod (which is why I changed it). So I’ve already covered my basics but still havn’t come up with anything which is why I’m asking...


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[Built4Run]

I just changed my lower ball joints, and my uppers are solid.

Maybe I didn't explain well that I only felt play in the driver outer tie rod (which is why I changed it). So I’ve already covered my basics but still havn’t come up with anything which is why I’m asking...


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So if everything is tight and rack bushings are good I’d check this.. Diagnose and Fix Steering Play/Rattle | TTORA Forum

after test on steering column & rag joint if still nothing try this as well

How to: Replace steering rack guide- Pictures - YotaTech Forums

:uzi:

 

[ArmArak]

So if everything is tight and rack bushings are good I’d check this.. Diagnose and Fix Steering Play/Rattle | TTORA Forum

after test on steering column & rag joint if still nothing try this as well

How to: Replace steering rack guide- Pictures - YotaTech Forums

:uzi:

Thanks for the links! I'll check it out and report back :thumb:

 

[Built4Run]

Thanks for the links! I'll check it out and report back :thumb:

No worries bro hope you figure it out .. let us know what you find brother
:rockon:

 

[19963.4lsr5]

I had a bad LCA bushing.


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[ArmArak]

So I just checked my steering rack bushings and it looks like that's my issue. When I would move the wheel the steering rack had a lot of side to side play (which is where the play in my steering is coming from). I am also pretty sure that this is what's throwing off my alignment and causing me to drift to the right.

Thanks guys, I'm going to replace the bushings and I'll report back.

 

[gamefreakgc]

So I just checked my steering rack bushings and it looks like that's my issue. When I would move the wheel the steering rack had a lot of side to side play (which is where the play in my steering is coming from). I am also pretty sure that this is what's throwing off my alignment and causing me to drift to the right.

Thanks guys, I'm going to replace the bushings and I'll report back.

Get ready for a fight. A couple of those bolts are very tricky. A large 3' breaker bar or a breaker with a cheater bar will be a big help. Also jacking up the front end as high as you safely can helps as well.

 

[mtbtim]

So I just checked my steering rack bushings and it looks like that's my issue. When I would move the wheel the steering rack had a lot of side to side play (which is where the play in my steering is coming from). I am also pretty sure that this is what's throwing off my alignment and causing me to drift to the right.

Thanks guys, I'm going to replace the bushings and I'll report back.

This video will help you out. Good luck with the job.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YywcR0E9bM4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[ArmArak]

This video will help you out. Good luck with the job.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YywcR0E9bM4" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Thank you so much! As soon as I found the problem I checked your channel to see if you had a video on it (of course you did). I bought the parts already and am going to change them hopefully this weekend!

 

[FD7683]

Were you able to resolve the play issue? I'm seeking advice as I replaced my steering rack bushings recently and i'm still not satisfied with the result (little amount of play in the steering wheel).