Steering box issue

[csuengr]

I am assuming it is my steering box. The issue is I lost my return to center in the steering. My steering got stiff, as if the power steering was dying, or low on fluid, which it isn't. No noises from the pump. This happened driving down the interstate. I left the Springs and it was fine. When I got off the interstate, it was all funny. No binding in the steering shaft or draglink and tie rod. Steering box is not loose to the frame. Doesn't even budge. I replaced the sector shaft bearing about two months ago. I didn't play with the nut on the top of the box. Just left it alone. It is harder to turn to the left than to the right.

 

[jamie]

check the axle joints and ball joints. axle joints will cause hard steering if they are rusted or neglected. i know from experience

 

[Sasquach]

Hmmm, You replaced the shaft bearing but did not adjust the pre load? I only have experience in rebuilding an old Ross type steering box but sounds to me like you need to check your load adjustment on the box, why it would change going down the road seems odd but I would start there.

 

[csuengr]

Things are starting to loosen up. The ball joints are only six years old, but have no grease fittings. I am thinking what heppened is I went through water deep enough to submerge the ball joints, and splashed through another big puddle. I think I got some water in the joints.

 

[Sasquach]

Things are starting to loosen up. The ball joints are only six years old, but have no grease fittings. I am thinking what heppened is I went through water deep enough to submerge the ball joints, and splashed through another big puddle. I think I got some water in the joints.

Check to see if your ball ends are taped for zerk fittings, if so get some at the auto parts store and put them in! grease is a must in them.

 

[csuengr]

Ball joints not tapped for zerks.

 

[Sasquach]

Ball joints not tapped for zerks.

Strange? I have had them come unassembled as far as the zerk goes but not non threaded for them. plan on them not lasting long.

 

[csuengr]

Original ones lasted 25 years and were still okay. I'm not worried.

 

[Sasquach]

Original ones lasted 25 years and were still okay. I'm not worried.

Did'nt you start this thread with steering problems? How do you know they were original?

 

[csuengr]

The axle is from a pre 1980 FSJ. I rebuilt the axle, including new ball joints, when I put in in my CJ. That was six years ago. Never ran through that much water. CO is generally a dry place and you have to go looking for mud and deep (>10") water.