Loose Steering

[orange57]

The steering on my 2000 Limited is really loose with quite a bit of play in the steering wheel. Today, I had my wife come out and move the steering wheel back and forth some while I looked underneath. All appeared to be tight, but there was a clunking sound coming from the gear box. Is this normal to get some clunking? or is this an indication that the gear box needs to be replaced? The truck has 146K on it. Pretty sure it is the original.

Thank,

matt

 

[jake 03]

You may just need to tighten the gear box lash.
On the top of the steering box there is a allen head stud with a lock nut. Loosen the nut and screw the stud in until tight then back it off 1/2 to 1 full turn and tighten the lock nut.
That should fix the loose steering box issue.

 

[orange57]

I will give that a try

 

[SunlitComet]

It will only be a temporary fix. If it is clunking it really needs to be replaced and the fluid system flushed out.

 

[orange57]

So is the clunk indicative of a failed gear box? If so, I'd rather replace it for a long term fix as opposed to a bandaid.

 

[SunlitComet]

Yes it should not be clunking as all.

 

[Monstar_est87]

O boy... I heard a clunk outta my baby the other day... Thought it was an alignment issue... AC Delco gear box part number..?

 

[SunlitComet]

for years 1997-2000 Delco 36-0517567.

 

[orange57]

sounds like a gear box is in my future then. Thanks again!

 

[kcb37]

If you don't have one get a pitman arm puller.
It will make your life 100 times better getting the pitman arm off the gear box.
Cost $10 or $15 from a parts store.