Truck Wandering

Grease on the 5th wheel? Have you checked all of the components you mentioned for wear/ broken/loose parts? Jack up the front end and inspect each item. If you do not feel confident in driving it, I would recommend taking it to a shop to get them to take a look at it. Shouldnt take too long for a competent shop to find what is wrong.

 

5th wheel greased up good or using a slip disc?

 

I am with pushbroom professional help. It is just steering.
What is the P/S pump GPM and pressure when hot? Suspect the steering box but those are expensive parts to replace and hope.

 

With the wandering condition you have, a king pin would likely be too tight from lack of grease or frozen, not loose. It would take alot of play in a king pin and you would likely already have tire wear way before noticeble wander IMO. Knock off the tie rod and drag link and make sure the knuckles flop freely to eliminate a frozen king pin if you have already checked them for play.

The gauge being referred to is a test tool to hook up and measure the pressure and flow of hydrauics to and through the pump and the steering gear.

It sounds as though you may be on the right track with the steering gear play. Make sure you get a new gear or at least a quality reman from a reputable rebuilder. TRW gears always loosen at the Pitman arm to shaft splines and will usually show rust when loose. Check all the steering shaft u joints too and don't forget the one inside.

 

I'm willing to bet a lot of money that the bushings on the back side of your leaf springs are shot which is allowing your axle to walk from side to side. To check, get a pry bar and stick between the leaf spring and frame and see if there is any play.

 

How will a mechanical problem get worse the longer you drive the truck each day?
A pump or steering sector could change as the fluid heats up. That is my thanking.

 

I agree, a worn sector shaft and internal bushings inside the steering gearbox are giving a loose steering sensation which intensifies as the fluid and internal parts get hot.

A TRW gearbox with a worn sector shaft and bushings will cause the Pittman arm shaft to have excessive play which would give you really loose steering.