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'99 Crown Vic steering issue....

1K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  mrcaptainbob 
#1 ·
had to put in a new lh lower ball joint before getting an alignment. The shop said the steering gear has some slop in it. And yes, that's true. Noticed it for a while now. But, in addition to that, the steering is getting more difficult. Almost as if the pump is begging to fail. Seems like it's most difficult when coming off of straight ahead. Once the steering wheel is clocked maybe 1/4 turn either way it's better. While the car was on blocks a couple weeks for a new pitman arm, I moved the steering assembly one way and the other looking for any binding. Did not feel or sense any.
I will proceed with adjusting the steering gear adjustment screw. Just ever so sightly until the steering wheel play is gone, or at least greatly lessened.
How can I verify the pump is not failing?
Am I on track with the adjustment suggestion?
 
#2 ·
As you can tell by my name I am not a Furd guy. :tango_face_wink: I will tell you from "Mopar" experience that you do not want to adjust that thing too much. I think "saginaw" makes 90% of the steering boxes for about everything. If it is locking up in the "straight position" you have a steering box problem. Just replace it.

I had a buddy that was driving my truck and I did a "small" adjustment to the box to tighten things up and he wrecked into a telephone pole because the box locked up.
 
#4 ·
Crown Vics and other Panther chassis have a u-joint in the lower steering shaft. Two IIRC. One inside and one under the hood.
I think the inside one is called intermediate steering shaft.
They do bind up. I had to replace two different ones in Town Cars over the years.
Go over to the lincolnsonline forum and search for stiff steering.

I have gotten them to free up by spraying with pb blaster and then some Lucas chain lube or other chain lube style spray.
 
#6 ·
Cool. Glad it's working better. I'm not a fan of the lithium as it doesn't work its way into hard-to-reach areas as well. Go buy you a can of Lucas chain lube and you will be buying the stuff forever. I go through a can of it about every 3 months. It is becoming my favorite lubricant.
 
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