loose steering, traced to steering column

Diesel Mechanics or most shops will not repair or rebuild steering gearboxes or columns as there is too much of a liability risk involved.

That job is usually left to a shop that specializes in that field as it's easier and faster to install a Remanufactured unit on there than to disassemble a column.

I suggest to Google steering column rebuilding shops in your area and they may give you some insight on how to repair your problem.

 

As i said in my first post it looks like the splines are wore out. Easy solution could be to jb weld or similar. However when you think long term if the u-joints wear out and need replacing the easy solution will not be the best as it marries those steering components for life. Why not order and replace the two shafts that are wore out while maintaining an OEM steering column that wont come back to haunt you in the future. More then likely the local techs were not willing to share the information rather then not knowing it. Talking down to the lowly stupid techs usually precipitates that.

 

Did one a few months back on FLD120. Like pushbroom said it was wear in slip splines on shaft to wheel tube shaft. Put in new shafts and bearings. Parts wasn't over $300.00 if I recall correctly. You tend to get decent help on this forum from technicians if you don't bad mouth people trying to help you. Attached copy of Freightliner tilt mechanism manual.

 

I miss a buddy I had who died when the weld on his steering shaft broke and he had a head on with a farm tractor.. he bought a 69 Camaro that the shaft was welded up during a restoration it lasted 4 years or so and broke on him in a curve.. PS it passed a vehicle safety when he bought the car.. Don't half ### the job if repairing it yourself someone's live could be on the line

 

Never cut corners when it comes to things like brakes and steering. If there is that much play in the splines you are literally on the edge of stripping splines.

Food for thought: What caused the splines to wear out in the first place? The slip yoke moving in and out. Probably means that welding it together isn't a good idea. Weld it today and in 3 days the bolts holding the steering column to the dash will bust off or worse.

 

Buying used for that particular part is like throwing good money after bad.

That used column could have the same issue you're having or worse.

What area are you out of, there has to be someone that specializes in rebuilding steering columns?