so i was driving the mav today to triple check if i had any leaks from the gas lines,tank ect, and I noticed that the steering wheel has about a 3 inch "dead zone" i guess you could call it. its where the steering wheel turns but the wheels don't move is there and explanation and easy fix to that. its a 72 with POWER steering, is it the fluid? (if there is any) thanks pat
with...power steering...it could be a few things. 1..slop in the slave cyl.wiggle valve... 2..gear box needing adjusting... 3..wear in front end parts (tie rods, ball joints ets. ets...) ......
Ford power steering is like that, any Maverick I've had has always done that, maybe they were just worn out parts? I'll see when my 73 is back together, everything is new.
Not too sure, my steering is tight, and it's power, but then again it looks like there's a lot of new front suspension parts, i would suggest taking it to an alignment shop and having them inspect it if you don't know what your looking for, they can ussually eliminate anything on the lowerr half elaving you with gearbox, and somewhere i heard of a colomn that caused slack? not too sure but i think it was on an old Roadrunner
Depends a lto on the shop and their labor costs, to be honest i've never taken a ford in, i know my k5 tie rods and king pins ran me about 300, but to look at it, generally 40 bucks or so, just take it in see what they say ask questions and let us know! Here's a set of links for the pieces you may or may not be looking at replacing, from o'reilley so you can get an idea of what the parts cost to be able to judge the labor inner tie Rod End- http://www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/Disp...8-302 5.0L&bid=1191966490681&cycleCount=2055 Outer Tie Rod End http://www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/Disp...8-302 5.0L&bid=1191966490681&cycleCount=2055 Tie Rod adjusting sleeve http://www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/Disp...8-302 5.0L&bid=1191966490681&cycleCount=2055 power steering cyl http://www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/Disp...8-302 5.0L&bid=1191966644492&cycleCount=2055 Power Steering Pump http://www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/Disp...8-302 5.0L&bid=1191966644492&cycleCount=2055 Front Ball Joints http://www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/Disp...8-302 5.0L&bid=1191966717596&cycleCount=2055 Other misc. Steering pieces http://www.oreillyauto.com/EW3/Disp...8-302 5.0L&bid=1191966748930&cycleCount=2055 Just have them find out what's bad, since you don't know for sure what your looking for and then find out prices, generally a shop won't have a problem quoting and i've been known to be the evil type to have them find the problem, then take it home and fix it myself, or with the help of a friend. Good Luck!
The rag joint can be checked by having someone rock steering wheel back an forth while you look at shaft from under hood. Where it goes into the steering box you will see a "joint" with pins an bolts and a round rubber Big washer. Both pieces should be tight and rock with no play. Also if you have same person still shake the steering wheel, go underneath (if jacked up, support with stands) and watch all your parts for any looseness.
