Play where intermediate steering shaft meets gear box

[Ljpow]

Hey there. Have always had pretty loose steering but it never bothered me much. Recently did my pitman and idler arms while doing some other work and expected that to fix it. It didn’t, and so I took a look at the steering shaft. there is a fair amount of play at the gearbox when parked with the engine off. Tires not moving at all, no play in pitman/idler, tie rods etc, it seems like the play is coming from where the steering shaft meets the gearbox.

I already tried the trick where you loosen the bolt on top of the steering box and adjust the Allen nut and retighten with no luck.

Anyone have any leads? Am I looking at a new gear box? Any help is appreciated! Thanks.

 

[Fless]

It's best to include info about your ride. Year, make, model, mileage, etc. so we know what you're working on. Consider adding it to your signature.

 

[OR VietVet]

Welcome to the forum, from Oregon. Also, what @Fless said.

Can you do a video and post a link of the "play". Likely have to shoot the video, upload at you tube and then post the link to video here.

Is the play at the splines, collar, the input shaft of the steering gear......?

 

[LsHart]

You can only take out so much play with the screw on top. Updated gear box at this point. There could be slop in the steering union. But with normal ware, doubt it.

 

[Ljpow]

Welcome to the forum, from Oregon. Also, what @Fless said.

Can you do a video and post a link of the "play". Likely have to shoot the video, upload at you tube and then post the link to video here.

Is the play at the splines, collar, the input shaft of the steering gear......?

Hey thanks for the tips guys, I’m not active on forums much.

This is a 2005 z71 Tahoe. 166k miles. Here’s a video of the play as best as I can film it. No other play is visible- pitman arm/ splines not moving at all, just right here where the intermediate shaft meets the top of the gearbox.

 

[LsHart]

Worn out gear box. If not slack in gearbox union, then worn gearbox. It happens.

 

[OR VietVet]

Yep, gearbox.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please. If we can't see it, it does not exist.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

 

[Ljpow]

Thanks for the confirmation guys. I know there are lots of threads on new gearboxes, but seems pretty inconclusive from what I can tell. Any of you have success with any particular brand?

 

[6speedblazer]

There is an adjustment to the gearbox that can be done. I have tried it many times and have never successfully removed slop from the system. But it's worth a shot before replacing the whole box.

 

[Fless]

There is an adjustment to the gearbox that can be done. I have tried it many times and have never successfully removed slop from the system. But it's worth a shot before replacing the whole box.

He noted in his first post that he tried that.

 

[6speedblazer]

He noted in his first post that he tried that.

Reading comprehension got the best of me on that one.