Part between steering gear and steering rod that would cause play in steering?

[EddieBowser]

I have already replaced the steering gear and from the video below it seems like something between the steering gear and the steering rod is causing play in the wheel. Can anyone point to a specific part that would wear out and cause this?


Thanks for your help!

 

[MikeA]

First off, to remove the plastic cover, go on top and unhook the clip from around the metal line, this will let you slide that plastic cover up the shaft,


Second, there is a u-joint under that cover, may be worn out

 

[EddieBowser]

Thanks, ill check that out, any idea where I can find that u-joint? didn't see it on rock auto.

 

[MikeA]

I can not find just the u-joint, all I can find is OEM steering shaft, not even an aftermarket shaft is available, kind of shocked.

Here is OEM part Number,
Ford Expedition F150 Navigator Lower Steering Column Shaft OEM NEW 3L3Z3B676AA

It is not cheap, shop around.

I know if mine ever goes bad, I will go to junkyard and get one for around $15 or less.

But you still need to find out ,if it is indeed, the u-joint that is bad.

 

[EddieBowser]

Wow yeah that isn't cheap, ill probably have to pull it from the salvage yard. Ok, thanks for all your help, I'll post on here if this does turn out to be the problem.

 

[stamp11127]

I would expect the steering sector inside the box is worn. The older boxes have an adjustment screw but not sure if the new boxes do.
Have someone turn the steering wheel in both directions only for the amount of play in it. Observe the steering shaft where it connects to the box. If the input shaft is turning then the play is internal.

 

[MikeA]

If it is not the u-joint, then you may have to adjust the gear box.

To do this, use a 5/8 wrench to unlock the nut,by backing it off a bit, keep your wrench on the nut to prevent it from spinning with stud, insert a 3/16 allen wrench into the stud.

Tighten the stud 1/8 turn at a time while someone turns steering wheel from slack to slack, keep turning 1/8 at a time until slack is gone.

I recommend 1/8 turn at a time,for beginners, cause it is easy to over tighten stud, which will cause excess wear faster. If you done this before, then turn it as you like.

 

[MikeA]

Was your problem fixed?

 

[aircargoo]

hope you didnt touch box......anyway,had this problem with explorer. was HELL.... nobody had it. yjey pulled it out..they sent it out...(steering drive shaft/u joint)... send it out cause then youll know itll be tight like new. big difference on explorer.....


i didnt know expedition had one.....wonder if 97 expedition has it without air sus.?

gonna look next time.

 

[kythri]

hope you didnt touch box......anyway,had this problem with explorer. was HELL.... nobody had it. yjey pulled it out..they sent it out...... send it out cause then youll know itll be tight like new. big difference on explorer.....


i didnt know expedition had one.....wonder if 97 expedition has it without air sus.?

gonna look next time.

What?!

 

[64C10]

Did you look for the rag joint? It should be a round rubber joint located along the shaft it's there to act like an extreme impact absorber. Not 100% sure they still used them but look for it .

 

[rjdelp7]

Worn front sway bar end links, were giving me clunky feel, in the steering wheel over bumps. It felt like it was a loose steering column.