looking for some steering help

[Tig]

Hi all,
I dont know where to go so I thought I'd ask here. Seeing all the projects and how in depth you guys get with your builds, I was hoping someone would be able to help me out.

This is for my DD/project. I have such terrible steering that I am lost on what to do. I had replaced pretty much every steering component accept for my ball joints(which had no signs of wear) and control arm bushings. I installed an AGR quick steer gear box, new i/o tierods, pitman arm, idler arm, rag joint, steering wheel speed sensor, inner and outer wheel bearings.

On my list of things to do is next weekend is ball joints and upper and lower control arm bushing.

What do you or can you guys suggest the problem could be? I'm just about ready to do anything to get that "new truck" steering that I've always wanted.

Any and all info would be much appreciated
Thanks

[kryptik]

What exactly do you mean by terrible steering? Elaborate please. What vehicle?

[Tig]

I have about one and a half to two inches of play in the steering wheel. From what I have found on the net and from other forums, its common but, there has to be some way to eliminate this issue.
Sorry, its for my truck in my sig. 99 2dr 2wd Tahoe that currently has 2.5" drop up front and about 5 out back. But, I'll be going to 4.5 up front and 7 out back this weekend or next.
I have talked with Borgeson, they dont make anything for my application due to the airbag. Not quite sure what he meant but he was really interested in explaining the whole situation. he said it has something to do with liabilty issues.
Thanks for the response.

[Tig]

Anyone?

Along with the play it also feels like the power steering gets some boost while driving. Meaning while I drive on the highway, every now and then it is very easy to turn the wheel, especially while I'm turning.
I'm wondering if the pump is failing or clogged.
Or
If the control arm bushings are just mush.

Anyone?

[MrQuick]

Can we get a bit more info?

Like to know what means used to lower....cur springs, dropped spindles, or other.

What your alignment settings are.

Slop in ball joints and bushings can translate into a loose feel due to play in components.

There are a few joints in that steering shaft also. You might want to check steering wheel to box play.
Vince

[Tig]

I used Hotchkis lowering coils (cut springs are a nono;) ) and have spindles not yet installed, flip out back.

Alignment was as close to stock specs as possible, they couldnt get it spot on for some reason they could explain.

I plan on doing my balljoints when I do my bushings, hoping that will resolve this problem

When I replaced my steering gear with the AGR box I checked my entire system as did several mechanics, came up with no play or unnecessary movement. One mechanic in particular ( a close friend of my old boss) was stumped as much as I am.

Hopefully its my bushings and or balljoints.
Thanks for the response.

If you need any other info feel free to ask.

[Z06vet]

I am not familiar with that box, though i heard it is a good box. On my 69 camaro, i put a new box in it & it had twice as much play as the old one. There is an adjustment screw on the top of the box. I had to turn it in quite a bit to get it right. There is a process and guidelines for adjustment. If you have the adj screw, do a search and see if you can get it set up better. You CAN over tighten this adj screw, so be aure to read up a bit before messing with it. Let us know if you get it fixed.
Scott

[Motorcitydak]

The best way to figure out where you have play is to have someone else move the wheel side to side and watch exactly where the play occurs. Start by watching the end of the steering column, then the u joints in the steering shaft. Shake the steering shaft to feel for any play there. Also do not forget that there is usually a telescoping shaft inside your column that could go bad. After that, its on to the box which is more than likely the source of the play. See above of call the company to see about fixing that

[strtlegal]

Is there play in the steering wheel at all times or is it after you hit a bump? Is the pump designed to work with that AGR gear box?

It maybe bump steer your feeling that can be noticed by poor steering geometery you've crated by lowering it. Also I've come across made control arm bushings. When bushings are wore out there is some caster change from one side to the other causing the steering wheel to rock back and forth on a bumpy road.

[exwestracer]

Do you notice any vibration through the steering wheel? That's usually a sign of something in the linkage being worn or loose. If it drives straight and doesn't shake, it's most likely slop in the box itself. As noted BE CAREFUL when making any adjustments on the sector shaft. You can get the box adjusted to where it will bind up when you get near steering lock (end of travel).

Did you ever have that intermittent boost feel with the stock steering box? If not, the pump may be mismatched (not likely), or there may be a problem with the internal servo valve in the box.

[mplecha]

I'll be watching this one. I have a 1998 Z-71 that has the same steering issue. Sometimes, halfway through a turn, the steering gets really "easy" and jerks the truck. Best of luck to you!

[MrQuick]

I used Hotchkis lowering coils (cut springs are a nono;) ) and have spindles not yet installed, flip out back.

Alignment was as close to stock specs as possible, they couldnt get it spot on for some reason they could explain.

I plan on doing my balljoints when I do my bushings, hoping that will resolve this problem

When I replaced my steering gear with the AGR box I checked my entire system as did several mechanics, came up with no play or unnecessary movement. One mechanic in particular ( a close friend of my old boss) was stumped as much as I am.

Hopefully its my bushings and or balljoints.
Thanks for the response.

If you need any other info feel free to ask.

if you can get us the numbers you are running at right now would be very help full.

[Tig]

I am not familiar with that box, though i heard it is a good box. On my 69 camaro, i put a new box in it & it had twice as much play as the old one. There is an adjustment screw on the top of the box. I had to turn it in quite a bit to get it right. There is a process and guidelines for adjustment. If you have the adj screw, do a search and see if you can get it set up better. You CAN over tighten this adj screw, so be aure to read up a bit before messing with it. Let us know if you get it fixed.
Scott

I had contacted AGR, they had sent me directions on what you are talking about. They also mentioned there is another nut of some sort on the input side, where the steering shaft enters the box.
What aggrivates me about this is, for such and expensive box and from a well known company. You'd think they would have it all set ready to install.
I will let you know how it goes.

The best way to figure out where you have play is to have someone else move the wheel side to side and watch exactly where the play occurs. Start by watching the end of the steering column, then the u joints in the steering shaft. Shake the steering shaft to feel for any play there. Also do not forget that there is usually a telescoping shaft inside your column that could go bad. After that, its on to the box which is more than likely the source of the play. See above of call the company to see about fixing that

I had done this on several occasions with nothing looking out of play. On to the box, hah. I did e-mail them, he was pretty helpful. I will be responding today.

Is there play in the steering wheel at all times or is it after you hit a bump? Is the pump designed to work with that AGR gear box?

It maybe bump steer your feeling that can be noticed by poor steering geometery you've crated by lowering it. Also I've come across made control arm bushings. When bushings are wore out there is some caster change from one side to the other causing the steering wheel to rock back and forth on a bumpy road.

There is play all the time. That is the next question I ask AGR when I respond later, if the pump is compatible.
I'm sure the bushing have somehting to do with it. In fact I'm almost posotive they are playing a roll in this mess.

Do you notice any vibration through the steering wheel? That's usually a sign of something in the linkage being worn or loose. If it drives straight and doesn't shake, it's most likely slop in the box itself. As noted BE CAREFUL when making any adjustments on the sector shaft. You can get the box adjusted to where it will bind up when you get near steering lock (end of travel).

Did you ever have that intermittent boost feel with the stock steering box? If not, the pump may be mismatched (not likely), or there may be a problem with the internal servo valve in the box.

No vibrations. I had replaced all links. Oh yes, I'll be carefull. I'm going to print out his directions to make sure I'm doing it right. Its a page long, hah.

I'll be watching this one. I have a 1998 Z-71 that has the same steering issue. Sometimes, halfway through a turn, the steering gets really "easy" and jerks the truck. Best of luck to you!

From my understanding, this is a common problem with our truck/suvs. Thats the best way to describe it and is exactly what happens.

if you can get us the numbers you are running at right now would be very help full.

Numbers, what numbers? This is my daily driven truck/ongoing project, hah.

Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate it.