Steering bellcrank play

How much play is "normal" in the steering bellcrank? I just got the Jeep roadworthy and am driving down the road working the steering wheel left and right about 1 to 2 inches to try to keep it straight. Gets a bit interesting at higher speeds! In checking it out from beneath, when the wheel is moved the bellcrank bounces up and down a bit which is what translates into the 1-2 inch slop. Is this the normal amount of play or is it time for a rebuild kit (found one from Walcks for 26.95)! I don't want to spend the time and $$ to get not a lot of improvement. Thanks for the help.

Milan

 

1-2 inch! Awww, that ain't nuthin'
I have more then half a turn!

Actually, I did buy a complete steering rebuild kit for my 53 m38. I haven't had a chance to attack it yet, but it is on my list of things to get done this winter. I know what you mean about interesting at higher speeds! The bell crank on mine lifts about 1-2 inches each time I turn the wheel. Kinda scary!

Dondo

 

Just torqued the nut on top down this afternoon. It's fully seated and as tight as it's going to get but there's still movement. I can see the washer on the bottom moving up and down with the whole assembly so I was thinking about running out and getting a washer to slide on and see if that will tighten things up. But if I'm taking everything apart I was thinking that maybe I'd replace everything.

 

also check the end cap screw or what ever it's called. it is at the end of the draglink which attaches to the bell crank from the ross steering box. you'll see it if you look from the front of the jeep. it should have two slots crossing each other which look like you could turn it with a large flat blade screw driver. when i got mine i had a huge amount of play. tightened that down and then backed off about 1/4 or 1/2 a turn. it helped a lot. but be careful . and wait to see if anyone else on this site tells you not to do what i just said. they know a lot more than i do about steering.

this won't clear up the bellcrank moving up and down but it is another place for lash to develop.
i was only trying to get the steering good enough to visit the welder to get an estimate. i have since torn out my steering for replacment.

 

Milan,

Other than what the others have suggested, have you done any work on the steering or front wheels lately? Any parts replacement you can report?

I too notice a small bit of up/down play in my tux's bellcrank, but it's not transalted into wander. I'm willing to bet that steering can be improved w/out a bellcrank rebuild.

Here's another means to troubleshoot slop: chock rear wheels and put front axle on jackstands. Grab a wheel and rotate it back and forth (or have an assistant do this) and see what you can see. Notice the "feel" of the turning system in your hands, and compare with the other side.

If all else checks out, check 2 other things: Toe-in and upper kingpin bearing torque. Setting toe-in is described well in the FSM (factory service manual), but if you don't have one of those I can type out the instructions for you. Also, lack of kingpin bearing load may result in random road wander. Perhaps tighten the 4 upper cap bolts a bit and test-drive.

Lots of stuff to check, but at least we have the problem surrounded, lol. Good luck!
-Alan

 

Thanks for all the help! I drove the Jeep in to work today and it doesn't really wander on it's own as much as I can turn the wheel 1 to 2 inches without anything being translated down to the wheels. I haven't done any work or replaced anything on the front wheel/axle YET!!

Milan