2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Track Bar Bolt

[schmerster]

The steering on my truck is REALLY sloppy. I looked under the truck while a friend turned the steering wheel, and I saw the track bar bolt on the axle moving left and right about 1/4". This is a newer MOOG track bar, and I already tightened it once. I thread-locked it the last time I tightened it, and it took a 3 foot bar to get it loose last night so I could check it. Any ideas about why the bolt is moving and/or how to fix it?



I ordered a DSS from Rip. It should be here today. I am hoping that the DSS and a fix on that bolt will do the trick.

 

[RACE427]

Have you checked the hole to be sure it has not worn :egg shaped"? That loose bolt is probably doing damage to the mounting bracket. I would suggest taking a good look at that hole with the bolt removed.

 

[schmerster]

It looks and feels very close to round. I caught it early enough that minimal damage was done.



It is almost like there is a sleeve that should go over the bolt, or the bolt should have a shoulder on it that fits in the hole.

 

[JGK]

Whether it's rounded out, needs a sleeve, or a shouldered bolt, do whatever is necessary to stop the slop! It definately will affect the stability of your steering. I hope you watched the ball joint end when your friend worked the steering wheel as well. That's usually where the looseness shows up. Seems to me when I was preparing to replace mine, I found a spec that said the maximum movement allowed in line with the ball joint axis was around 2. 3mm. That's only 2 dimes thick!



-Jay

 

[schmerster]

I welded a washer to the front of the bracket and tightened the crap out of the bolt. Hope it holds. I also got the DSS and installed in - took about 20 minutes. The steering is a lot better, but there are still loose parts in there somewhere. Think I'll do ball joints and tie rod ends next week.