Steering issues... I need someone to explain some things to me
Thread Starter
|
Starting Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 106
From: Sulphur, Oklahoma
Steering issues... I need someone to explain some things to me
I'm just starting to learn about fixing my own car, and one thing I don't wanna mess with just yet is the steering. 
The steering has tons of play in it, and the front tires have lots of wear on the inside. I had the wheel off a while back (I think I was replacing the brakes) and I noticed that on the steering mechanism, the rubber thing is worn out. I think that's called the bushing? Anyway, I might have to hit the highway pretty soon and that needs fixed before I even think about going. I don't want to pay the mechanic any more than I have to. What should I tell him to fix? I don't want him to go in there and replace everything, busted or not, then charge me an arm and a leg for it.
What actually needs replaced? Can I just have the bushings(?) and bearings, etc, replaced? How much would this typically cost? I want to go in there sounding like I know what I'm doing so that the mechanic won't play me for a fool.
The steering has tons of play in it, and the front tires have lots of wear on the inside. I had the wheel off a while back (I think I was replacing the brakes) and I noticed that on the steering mechanism, the rubber thing is worn out. I think that's called the bushing? Anyway, I might have to hit the highway pretty soon and that needs fixed before I even think about going. I don't want to pay the mechanic any more than I have to. What should I tell him to fix? I don't want him to go in there and replace everything, busted or not, then charge me an arm and a leg for it.
What actually needs replaced? Can I just have the bushings(?) and bearings, etc, replaced? How much would this typically cost? I want to go in there sounding like I know what I'm doing so that the mechanic won't play me for a fool.
Starting Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 158
From: Omaha, NE
Basically, go and get dirty.
Jack up your front end and man handle your tires. Turn them in and out by holding them at 9 and 3 then 12 and 6 and watch your steering components. When you've found the culprit ( a loose or wiggley bushing or joint) then you've found what you need replaced. From the tire they go outer tie rod, tie rod sleeve, inner tie rod then your steering arm which is called a pitman arm. Thats connected to the steering box. Then to the other side. You have your linking components that connects the 2 tires. An idler arm ( kinda like a pitman arm, but this one just helps everything stay firm and in the proper place then your inner tie rod, connector sleeve, then inner tie rod...
Then there is the suspension. Much bigger story and this can come to play to when it comes down to a loose front end. Your lower ball joint and upper ball joint on the inside of each tire. And all the other bushings in there.
Look up some diagrams so you can find the proper placement of these parts on your vehicle.
Always take your truck in to do an alignment. That always helps. Especially after replacing parts.
Jack up your front end and man handle your tires. Turn them in and out by holding them at 9 and 3 then 12 and 6 and watch your steering components. When you've found the culprit ( a loose or wiggley bushing or joint) then you've found what you need replaced. From the tire they go outer tie rod, tie rod sleeve, inner tie rod then your steering arm which is called a pitman arm. Thats connected to the steering box. Then to the other side. You have your linking components that connects the 2 tires. An idler arm ( kinda like a pitman arm, but this one just helps everything stay firm and in the proper place then your inner tie rod, connector sleeve, then inner tie rod...
Then there is the suspension. Much bigger story and this can come to play to when it comes down to a loose front end. Your lower ball joint and upper ball joint on the inside of each tire. And all the other bushings in there.
Look up some diagrams so you can find the proper placement of these parts on your vehicle.
Always take your truck in to do an alignment. That always helps. Especially after replacing parts.
New Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 59
From: Tennessee
burning_soul07 is absolutely right. get the front end off the ground and narrow it down. I have a 91 also but it is my 99 that I have done all the steering assembly work on. Tie rods and idler arm arent to hard to do yourself, but the pitman arm is a pain. 1aauto on youtube helped me out a ton.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
haliphics
2nd Generation S-series (1995-2005) Tech
3
Jul 26, 2015 03:31 PM
Raybz
2nd Generation S-series (1995-2005) Tech
1
Dec 20, 2011 06:57 PM
travisrussell88
General Chat
13
Oct 20, 2011 10:16 PM
2klt
2nd Generation S-series (1995-2005) Tech
2
Dec 21, 2006 03:23 AM
