2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Steering problem

[Irontrader]

My problem is that to drive straight down the road I have to keep pressure on the left side of the steering wheel. The wheel is basically at a 11:00 position rather than a straight up 12:00 position to go straight.



This summer I took it to an alignment shop as I thought it was an alignment problem. They checked it out and other than some normal adjustments they said my alignment is fine.



The tech said the problem was in the steering box(?). Said I had a internal leak in the box which made the steering want to turn gradually to the right. Which is why I have to apply a slight left turn pressure on the wheel to offset leaking seal. Said I can continue driving it that way until the amount of leakage makes it uncomfortable to compensate for it.



Has anyone else had this problem?



Is this a do it yourself repair or do I need to take it to the dealership or an alignment shop?



Can they just replace the seals or will I get stuck with a whole steering box? I've never had the sloppy steering box or wander problem that others have had. I'm just getting tired and noticing it takes more left pressure to keep the truck headed straight.

 

[johnrv4]

I never ran into that problem, but I would try something first to make sure that's the problem... . I'd jack the front axle up and put it on jackstands so the front tires are off the ground. Then I'd start the truck up and see if the steering wheel wants to turn to the right by itself. I would think that if it was bad, the tires would want to turn easily without any weight on them. I've had a lot of vehicles with the same style steering arrangement, and have never run into that type of problem.

 

[DBrickel]

Irontrader; I read your thread and it was like dejvue. I had/have the same problem, took it to the shop and it checked out okay. I have been driving it that way for over 140000k. It hasn't gotten any worse and hasn't affected tire wear. It is a little annoying though.