Steering wheel has play when you are parked. Left and Right

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by Big Lou, Jan 26, 2015.

  1. Big Lou

    Big Lou Light Load Member

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    Seems like a little excess play in steering wheel?
    I had a friend drive my truck it's a peterbilit 2010 387. He mentioned that it felt him excessive play in steering wheel when you are parked. Turn the wheel left to right. I have been driving the truck from almost new so never noticed it.What could it be or is it something I should be worried about. It steers fine. But there is play left to right before it engaged. Thanks
     
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  3. wore out

    wore out Numbered Classic

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    CHASIN THE DEVIL'S HERD
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    Take it to a good mechanic to be looked at. To answer your question more directly there are probably worn parts in the front end but an Internet forum is not the place to look for answers. Steering and brakes are just to critical to chance if you are not sure. Since I can't see the truck nor can anyone else here we can't give you a fair evaluation
     
  4. Snailexpress

    Snailexpress Road Train Member

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    Show your middle finger to the DOT officer going thru next scale. Hi will pull you over and tell you what is wrong with steering.:biggrin_25526:
     
  5. OldHasBeen

    OldHasBeen Road Train Member

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    Could be steering gear box, had two that went bad, one on 70's model freight liner, and one of a 70's model International.

    On the International the shop simply did not want to fix it, I parked it when to the office and told them, if the shop decides to fix it call me, and I will come back to work. The boss called my house before I got home and told my wife, it would be fixed, I will make sure its safe to drive, the shop installed a new steering gear box.

    One thing I refused to drive is an unsafe truck, no matter who the boss may be.
     
  6. GrapeApe

    GrapeApe Road Train Member

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    Could be a lot of things. On top of what was mentioned already, check that the pitman arm bolt didn't come loose. Grab the steer shaft and turn it back & forth while looking at the steering box. If the output shaft on the box is moving in the pitman arm, replace the bolt and torque it to spec. If a steering shaft U-joint is really bad, you'll get a lot of play too. These are things that can be really dangerous, so get it checked out ASAP.
     
  7. Skate-Board

    Skate-Board Road Train Member

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    Merrimack, NH
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    There is a large nut and screw on all steering boxes to adjust the play. It simply moves the worm gear forward or back. It's a HUGE pain in the ### to do and should be left to a mechanic who has done it before.

    If you tighten it up too much you will be steering left and right non stop going down the highway. You still need some play so don't tighten it up all the way.
     
    Big Lou and heyns57 Thank this.
  8. blanco

    blanco Road Train Member

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    Gwinnett County, GA
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  9. Marusol

    Marusol Bobtail Member

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    Seriously? I doubt that will be all they tell you lol. They'll tell you what's wrong with your tires, lights, air compressor, mirrors... and then they'll give you a safety award for all of it lol.
     
  10. Big Lou

    Big Lou Light Load Member

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    Aug 15, 2013
    Tampa, Florida
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    Thnks for all the help. I have about 3 1/2 inches of play. I guess that is passable? Reading some of the information that was provided to me. From the forum.
     
  11. bigguns

    bigguns Road Train Member

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    Omega,GA
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    Remove the big steering wheel and install one smaller in circumference. Problem solved. LOL
     
    Cetane+ Thanks this.
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