I have about a 1/4 turn of play in my steering wheel. I looked today and the slop isn't from where the steering column comes thru the firewall and int a bushing prior to going into the little u-joint like I thought. The play is actually in the power steering pump. Any suggestions on how to get rid of it?

 

dhvaughan did a write up on this. I can't find it but someone will chime in.

 

I FOUND IT !!! https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-steering.html

 

Thanks a ton!!!

 

So can I see the bolt and allen screw from underneath or is this all a blind feel adjustment?

 

Can't see it from underneath, yes its a blind feel. And have someone wiggle the wheel unless you like getting up and down alot.

 

I have a 7 year old that loves to wiggle the wheel. Makes him feel important and like he is a mechanic.

 

 

Ok, I did this adjustment this morning. It is definitely a 16mm box that is needed for the nut, and a 3/16th (couldn't find a 4.5mm like the previous write-ups and 4 was too small - 5 was too big) allen wrench for the adjustment bolt which is what the 16mm box sits on.

1) Spray from up above the nut/adjuster with brake cleaner. This will help get the road grime loosened up. Then take the smallest allen wrench you own and from underneath, clean out the adjuster bolt. Go back up on top and spray again with the brake cleaner to get out the junk you just scrapped loose.

2) Use the 16mm box wrench to loosen the adjuster bolt. Don't loosen too far, as power steering fluid will leak out once it is started. Just enough to crack loose. Stick a 3/16th allen in the adjuster nut either facing straight back, or straight forward so that you can tell how far you turn it.

3) start the truck, and put on the e-brake. Feel how much play you have in the steering without hearing the steering pump being taxed to turn the tires.

4) climb underneath and while you have the box wrench on the nut (watch for the radiator fan - as me how my fingers know), turn the 3/16th allen 1/4 turn to the right (righty-tighty), while holding the 16mm box in place. If you don't hold the box wrench, it will want to turn with the allen wrench and tighten right back up.

5) check the play in the steering wheel

6) Continue these steps until the steering is tightend up. It won't be completely tight like a new car, but it will get better.

Mine turned about 3/4 a turn and now it feels good. There is very little play, and I can feel how it no longer needs me to saw the wheel back and forth while going at highway speeds to keep it straight.

Thanks for the links and write up guys.