Quote:
Originally Posted by Dawn Kirshna
What could cause loose steering on a truck? It's mostly a freightliner thing. There is no adjustment nut on this box.
Alignment? Tires?
What can we do to tighten up the steering?
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Loose steering shaft/column; stand on the step, and slowly move the steering wheel back and forth while watching the u-joint at the steering box... you shouldn't be able to move the steering wheel without moving the u-joint.
Freightliner thang, huh? Maybe this model inherently feels sloppy, in a poor suspension/linkage design, the problem might be irrepairable.
Steering gear? Again, move the steering wheel back and forth, the output shaft (pitman arm), should react to any movement in the input shaft (u-joint at top of steering gear). If it doesn't fire it up and try again as some POWER steering gears will "tighten up" once they have hydraulic pressure.
Alignment certainly can cause a sloppy feel, wander, oversteer, etc.
An alignment "toe-out" condition is a common cause, this can usually be checked by moving your hand back and forth across the driver's side tire, toe-out will cause the tread to feel rough in one direction and smooth ion the other (feathered, or sawtooth wear), often accompanied by more wear on the inside edge...
An alignment wheel caster condition can cause a loose, non-responsive feel, although it does not show/cause tire wear. Loose spring pin shackle bushings can cuase caster problems as well as sagging springs.
The absolute most common cause of loose steering feel is low air pressure, without any doubt.
What can you do to tighten up the steering? Easy... find out what's loose, then repair it.
I've already given you what I can, based on the very vague information you have presented... MORE DETAILS!!!