why is this happening ?????

[voodoTRUCK73]

ok here we go ... ive driven many cars and trucks without power steering ... so i can not figure out why my 73 c10 shortbed  is killing my arms to steer it its really bad  and i cant figure out why not even when moving dose it get any easier  tires have  right air pressure im at a loss ... is this normal for the type of truck made back then ?  all i know is i have actuly sprained my wrist 3 times now just  trying to steer my beloved truck  any ideas on what this is and how to fix would be great  i know the big one would be jst go power steering but money is so tight right now its not a option

thanks  michael

[beastie_3]

You have manual steering? You shouldnt have to put much effort in steering when wheels are moving.

[bd]

Jack the front end up and support the frame on stands.  Unlock the steering wheel, grab either front wheel and turn the wheels back and forth, all the way left - all the way right - back to center, stop-to-stop, a couple of times.  The linkage should move all the way in both directions w/o tight spots.  With some assistance, check your front end components (tie-rod ends, inner-shaft bushings, Pitman and idler arms, etc) for wear and inspect for obviously bent linkage or A-frames.  Grease it and check the lube level in the steering gear.  If everything checks out okay and lubing it doesn't help, you may just have too much caster and need a front end alignment.  Excessive caster on a manual gear vehicle can make the steering VERY HARD to turn.  Cheers!   

[voodoTRUCK73]

lube level in steering gear ?  how is this done ? and i dident know there was a lube  for a steering gear  where is this gear at ?   pls thank you

[muddpuppy01]

possible someone swapped out the front axle for a power steering axle ( different caster ) which will create increase force to turn. factory steering and not a smaller wheel.

[bd]

lube level in steering gear ?  how is this done ? and i dident know there was a lube  for a steering gear  where is this gear at ?   pls thank you

Virtually anything with metal parts that move against one another (such as ball joints, tie-rod ends and gears) require lubricant.  The steering gear (gearbox) is bolted to the driver's side (left) frame rail, just in front and inboard of the left front wheel, but rearward from the radiator.  The gearbox is connected to the steering wheel by the steering shaft that runs up through the steering column.  The Pitman arm fastens to the bottom of the steering gear with a large nut and, in turn, connects the gear to the rest of the steering linkage.  If you look at the side of the gearbox case that faces away from the frame, you will see a 3/8" pipe plug with a square head.  Remove the pipe plug and fill the box with SAE 90 gear oil to the bottom of the fill hole (until oil starts to run out of the hole).  Then reinstall the pipe plug.

[voodoTRUCK73]

hey great thanks im gonna give this a try tomorrow  thanks for taking the time to explane this stuff to me .. ill let you all know  how it goes
 

[bd]

Just remember:  Always consider safety first!  Many on this site could tell you horror stories! 

When working under or around a vehicle and the vehicle is lifted with a jack, especially if the wheels are raised off the ground, use a good pair (or more) of jackstands on solid ground and NEVER work alone!

Incidentally, Welcome to the site!   

[voodoTRUCK73]

thank you 

[thirsty]

It could be the power steering pump also. I bought a truck once that had a bad pump and it was a bear to drive until I changed it.

[voodoTRUCK73]

It could be the power steering pump also. I bought a truck once that had a bad pump and it was a bear to drive until I changed it.

    cant be that  as its a manual steering box  by ty for your  info

[VileZambonie]

C10 with manual steering is the problem. Conver to Power steering. A junkyard will have everything you need.

[Captkaos]

What you are describing is normal for a manual steering box.  If you want it to be easier, get the WHOLE setup off a donor, this included the pump, brackets and hoses along with the steering box..