P1000 Front end loose? Sloppy steering?

[joeymt33]

I thought I’d share my quest to tighten up the front of Traveller. The 30” Roctanes have beat the front end over the past two years.

Here’s a vid of the slop before I started.

 

[joeymt33]

The passenger side steering rack has a bearing/bushing at the end.

This is a new one.


This is the original installed.


Here’s the old vs new. Not much difference.

 

[joeymt33]

Remove the tires first. You can remove the boot and then the tie rod from the rack. Leave it attached to the knuckle. Remember that you’ll need new lock washers for the fasteners inside the boot. No pics at this time but I’ll get them later.

Turn the steering all the way so you expose the bushing.


I used a couple pics to remove them.

 

[joeymt33]

The new one pops in easily. There are two holes that need to line up with the two circles on the bushings. Apply some grease and then reassemble with a new lock washer. Make sure you punch the new washer so it locks the steering pieces together. The driver side doesn’t have this bushing.

Here’s the improvement.

 

[ohanacreek]

The new one pops in easily. There are two holes that need to line up with the two circles on the bushings. Apply some grease and then reassemble with a new lock washer. Make sure you punch the new washer so it locks the steering pieces together. The driver side doesn’t have this bushing.

Here’s the improvement.

Big change

 

[Plumber32]

How many miles?

 

[joeymt33]

About 2500 of this with 50# or more per corner in the tire and wheel combo.

 

[joeymt33]

But wait....there’s more to make it better.

 

[joeymt33]

Pics for reference:

Lock washer


Must be punched


Lock washer part number:

53536-SR3-000

 

[joeymt33]

After video two there was still some slop. Next was to adjust the gear mesh in the steering box.



Huge pain in the butt. Remove the two fasteners under the 12v accessory outlet in the cab. You’ll be able to access the steering box here. I don’t have the “special tool” to adjust so I removed the skid plate and used a ratchet and long extension. It took a 40mm socket to loosen the lock nut.




Then from in the cab I could hold the lock nut with my hand and tighten the bolt. I have it half a round and it was too much so I backed off 1/4 turn. I knew it was too much because the steering wouldn’t return to center after taking it for a test drive.

This is the lock nut, bolt and spring removed

 

[joeymt33]

Steering is very tight and I love it.

 

[joeymt33]

One more pic from the manual for reference



Also, I use zip ties for the tie rod boots and have so since 2000 miles ago and they have never leaked. I had to cut the metal bands off the inner part of the boot. If you wish to use new bands, don’t forget to order.

One other important thought. If you must field change a tie rod, the hardest part is cutting that metal band off without cutting the boot. The zip ties are no problem. I choose zip ties but you should choose what ever you’re comfortable with.

 

[GlockMeister]

Good stuff Joey!!

 

[elkguide]

With all of the play/slop out of the steering..........

what excuse will you use for the way you drive now?








Very insightful and helpful.
Thanks.

 

[Plumber32]

Great write up.

 

[joeymt33]

With all of the play/slop out of the steering..........

what excuse will you use for the way you drive now?








Very insightful and helpful.
Thanks.

That made me laugh! Good one.

 

[ohanacreek]

I’ve been putting this off, mine had too much play in the rack from @500miles.

I’m gonna have to do it now.

 

[JTW]

Instead of the zip ties... per Lees suggestion
https://partstream.arinet.com/Mobil...BMFaEp7326a80XCqFXC0DHceEbP1KouRm6b6BRE1.html

 

[joeymt33]

Instead of the zip ties... per Lees suggestion
https://partstream.arinet.com/Mobil...BMFaEp7326a80XCqFXC0DHceEbP1KouRm6b6BRE1.html

Not a bad idea. Thank you

 

[Ragnar406]

Instead of the zip ties... per Lees suggestion
https://partstream.arinet.com/Mobil...BMFaEp7326a80XCqFXC0DHceEbP1KouRm6b6BRE1.html

I bought two of those - just need to put on prior.

Great write up!