Weird Steering Issue

I'm having a weird steering issue where there is resistance when I turn to the left and it almost feels like it's binding up. Problem has gone on for a couple months and has got to the point where I'm actually concerned. No issue to the right. Tried a lot of different things to figure out the problem but nothing has fixed it as of yet.

Initially rebuilt the power steering pump after draining and refilling most of the fluid - still has a hum but didn't change the issue. Checked the front end components and replaced a LBJ that was worn but no change. Took it to the dealer for a diagnosis and they said "with 99% assurance" it was the rack - something I was dreading. Turns out that wasn't it since I replaced it and the issue is still here. Truck was since aligned and at the same time most of the front end components were changed (both OTRs and CVs). Thankfully I have the NAPA lifetime warranty parts.

I'm at a loss to what it is, I even took out the wheel and steering column to grease the big plastic ball joint behind the wheel and do the tack weld mod in case something weird was going on there. Only other thing I can think of is the joint of the intermediate shaft (pn: 45260-35070) could be binding. I don't want to keep throwing parts at it and wasn't able to get decent movement out of it when I had the wheel out.

Anyone have an idea to what's going on?

 

I’ve seen Renan rack and pinions out of the box have excessive play in the bushings

 

It's an OEM rack and everything seemed tight when I checked it out. Hopefully that isn't it, though I would expect at least some noticeable change in the issue if so. Any way to test it now?

 

Have someone rock the steering back and forth and lay on the ground watching each bushing for movement, you can also see if the shaft is causing issues during this process

 

You could try to jack it up and turn the tires by hand. When did you change your ball joints last?

 

Thanks, I'll check it out

 

Good idea, I'll do that as well. Just did the one lower, the other is a year or two old but didn't have any binding/play. Uppers are years old but again no noticable issues.

 

It's probably the rag joint. Mine did the same thing.

 

Check CV axles to see if they are binding and I'd pull the steering shaft and make sure all the joints move good.

 

Interesting, what went on it? The rubber was a bit worn on mine but seemed fine. Everything bolted back together and secured well to the splines

 

CVs are good, replaced both. Only joint I couldn't really test was the intermediate one I reference in the original post. I tried turning from in the cab after taking the wheel and upper shaft out but couldn't really do anything due to the limited space and tires on the ground. That's the one I think might be it but need to pull the whole top out again to test.

 

Does it doing while stopped or only while driving?

 

Both. Just jacked up the vehicle and tried moving the wheel to locate anything. The dust seal through the firewall is gone and the intermediate shaft is rubbing against the truck. Due to it the alignment is off and I'm wondering if something as simple as this could do it. Will order a new seal tomorrow and see what happens.

 

definitely your issue. The rubber boot is very soft and won't move the shaft though. Looks like somethings is bent like the steering column.

 

That's promising, in general the whole shaft has plenty of play and can be moved back and forth. Hopefully, the seal fixes the issue. I'll pull the whole thing tomorrow and test for straightness while I wait for the part.

 

Lennattrent
Great diagnosis!

Q:
How does that ‘seal’ attach to the cover?
I mean, seal just sits there?
Do you have to press/pound into that steel cover?

interested.

 

Haven't taken it apart yet but I believe it's pressed in from the outside and a lip will rest against the outer edge once seated. The tarnished ring will be part of the seal.

 

Not sure to be honest. I told my trusted shop about the hard binding when turning and the guy was like it's the rag joint. Not gonna lie I was pretty skeptical. But they replaced it and it's been good ever since. Something inside of it was binding. If you can find a extra one for cheap it's not to had to replace if you've done your rack. But they can be a pain to remove if it the first time. Like a real pain. I suggest a lot of pre soaking the splins and having a hammer ready.
.

 

That, unfortunately, I know too well. Turned a day job into a week as I soaked it and then blasted with a propane torch before using the hammer. Now that it's out I cleaned everything up and lubed so it slides off just fine.

Hopefully the seal is the issue and I don't have to look at this next. I did double check the bolts holding the two halves together last night and they were loose. Put on some locktite and tightened again to be sure.

Issue was still there but I can see and hear that intermediate shaft binding as it hits the firewall/cab. Couldn't find any other issues under the truck.

 

So it turns out this is one of the best things I have done for the truck, super happy I did, even with all this headache. The joint in the intermediate shaft would barely move by hand so I took it apart, regreased, and it made a world of difference. Seal through the firewall is completely gone but new one should be in Monday.