Steering issues

[Bigbertha78]

The place I have been getting all my alignments done is Firestone autocare here in AZ. I believe a lot of the tear wear comes from the original parts that were bad such as the Pitman, Idler arm, and the front ball joints. I finally got around to changing this parts back in October which was only 4000 miles ago. The next questions I have is what are some good steering gear boxes to purchase? I was thinking of Rockauto but the price to ship the core back is ridiculous. Would Oreilys or any Auto store work?

 

[Bigbertha78]

So I got to inspecting the front end again today and noticed the passenger side inner and out tie rod looks bent! Looking at it from the front it looks ok but when you look from the tire side in you can tell its bent, how would this be possible other than when the alignment was done the bent it when tightening the nut down? Would this cause the wandering issue?

Well, went back to the alignment shop and there's nothing bent and the alignment is all good. So I guess the next option is a steering gear box!

 

[mattt]

Thread resurrect and subscribing. I have an 04 Z71 4wd also and have seen the same crappy tire wear. Been aligned multiple times, the last one seems to be the best as the tire wear has slowed down considerably. I have not replaced all the parts you mentioned in post 1 yet, but probably will here soon. Hopefully we can find someone that fought this issue and beat it....what's the fix folks? Thanks in advance.

 

[southboundchicken]

I had wandering sloppy steering like o.p. replaced all steering components but the biggest improvent came from the steering gear box although it took 3 trips to the auto parts store until i finally got one that was tight ....went to napa for less than $200 got a rebuilt box with lifetime warranty just save your receipt

 

[clandr1]

Thread resurrect and subscribing. I have an 04 Z71 4wd also and have seen the same crappy tire wear. Been aligned multiple times, the last one seems to be the best as the tire wear has slowed down considerably. I have not replaced all the parts you mentioned in post 1 yet, but probably will here soon. Hopefully we can find someone that fought this issue and beat it....what's the fix folks? Thanks in advance.

Definitely not a steering box replacement, but I would say that your alignment shop should be able to point out parts that need to be replaced in order to maintain a proper alignment. No sense in slapping new parts on the truck - I'd start with a proper diagnosis first.

 

[Bigbertha78]

Too update the above posts, I finally got around to replacing the Steering gear box today. WOW what a difference. Couple questions, the new box had a red fluid that lubricated the box. I have always ran power steering fluid in mine. After bleeding the box it turned the power steering fluid a little red, so the question is should I flush the system or not worry about it? Steering Box still has a little play at center and was wonder if this is normal or would an alignment and new tire fix the issue?

 

[Bigbertha78]

So as you know I replaced the steering gear box, how much play will the wheel have when its a brand new or good gearbox installed? Mine seems to be a lot better than my old one of 132,000 but still seems to have a little play at center. Still haven't done alignment yet, need to figure out if I need to swap box first again. Thanks

 

[clandr1]

Don't replace the steering box again. Take it to get aligned, and have the place check for slop in your tie rods, pitman arm, and idler arm. Then, have them check the upper and lower ball joints for play.

My truck was still tight at 120k when the shop told me my tie rods were on the way out. As a precaution I replaced both tie rods, pitman, and idler arms. I have not replaced my steering box and the truck still drives as if it's new. My guess is the steering box is not the culprit here.

 

[pnwdan]

I think you should consider the tires as being the issue. They look uneven from passenger to driver side. That may cause it to track bad

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[SLCHOE]

Put new tires on it and have the alignment done. Those tires look like soft compound winter tires. They may be all-seasons but that wear is not good.