Sanity check before I change my steering gear.
On the 400 mile drive home while picking up my bus, I noted an occasional front end shimmy. I have since jacked up each front tire and checked for play on king pins and tie rod ends - none observed when pressing with pry bar. I have found that the steering gear box output shaft has about 1/16" play when moving the end of the pitman from side to side. It is also starting to leak fluid from the shaft (not enough to show low in reservoir).
My thoughts are - if there is enough play for shaft to move that far, it is pointless to try and swap shaft seal. I plan to remove the gearbox and take it to a truck parts house and see if they have a rebuilt replacement for swap.
Bus is a 1999 TC-2000 FE. Is there a power steering fluid filter in the system?? Any gotcha's I should be aware of?? My plan is - wheels are currently pointed straight ahead. Remove pitman arm, replace gearbox. Connect hydraulic hoses and crank bus. Turn steering back and forth to find approximate center of steering travel. Re-attach pitman arm.
I am fairly early in my build out, so most travel will be local. I had planned on replacing both steer tires and having the front end looked at by truck tire shop then. Wanted to avoid that expense right now, since it's gonna sit for a while until build is further along.
Open to suggestions/comments by those who have experience in these matters. My mechanical expertise is about a 5 out of 10. I wouldn't attempt an engine overhaul, but have changed clutches, wheel bearings, brakes, etc in cars and light trucks.
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